How to do a Desktop Machine Inventory on a Macintosh


These instructions refer to a spreadsheet template developed by Paul Maxson and were initially intended to help technical support staff perform an inventory. However, some of the information and instructions may be helpful for others.

Building & Office Number
This is the number of the office where the computer is located. Look on the door, in Dial or on a campus map.

Name
Person's name. Use both the first and last names. The name usually can be found on the office door, desk, or in Dial. Check the spelling.

Department
This is the department the computer is assigned to...usually defined by the user. This information can be found in Dial or from department members.

Phone #
The phone number can be found in Dial, from the phone itself or by calling someone (the operator is a good candidate) and asking what number you are calling from.

Platform
The platform (typically MAC or DOS) can be determined by observation.

Type
On the Mac platform, the type (or model) of machine can be found on the front of the machine.

RAM (Random Access Memory)
Built-in Memory: The amount of RAM that is installed in the Mac. Under the apple menu (from the finder), select "About This Macintosh", record the number that is listed next to Built-in Memory.

**NOTE Total RAM: The amount of Ram installed PLUS any additional ram that is available through software means (by using Virtual memory in the control panels or by an application like RAM Doubler).
Harddrive
Open the harddrive and select "by icon" from the view menu. Add the two numbers in the top of the window ("in disk" and "available") to get the size of the harddrive.
**NOTE: The space "in disk" is the total amount of harddrive space used by applications and data files; This does not include the amount of FREE or UNUSED space on the harddrive.

Other
This is for recording info like if there is a CD ROM, Zip drive, or any other accessory that is not "normal".

Printer
Type of printer physically attached to the computer...the type can be determined by inspection. Note that this could be a building or department printer.

Network
This indicates whether there is a network connection or not. Determined by looking on the back of the machine for a twisted-pair or thin-wire connection. Twisted pair looks like a telephone cord; thinwire is a thicker, round cable.

Monitor
This info is usually on the monitor (front or rear). By booting the machine you can tell if it is color or monochrome.

CPU Tag
This is a MCCD bar code tag affixed to the CPU somewhere. There is no convention for tagging CPUs; just look until you find it.

Monitor Tag
This is on the monitor somewhere.

Printer Tag
This is on the printer somewhere, but not all printers were tagged.

Ethernet Address
If the Macintosh has an ethernet connection and is using MacTCP you will need to open the MacTCP Control Panel, from the Apple Menu, to obtain the Address. While the MacTCP control Panel is open hold down the option key on the keyboard and select t he ethernet icon with the mouse; The ethernet address will appear below the icon.

If the Macintosh has an ethernet connection and is using Open Transport, you will need to use a special utility called Apple LAN Utility to obtain the Address.

IP (Internet Protocol) Address
If the Macintosh has an ethernet connection and is using MacTCP, after using a TCP/IP application, open the MacTCP control Panel and the IP Address will be visible in the lower half of the control panel. The IP Address should start with "140.198.".

If the Macintosh has an ethernet connection and is using Open Transport, you will find the IP address listed in the TCP/IP Control Panel.


Written by Dorene Rekos
Page maintained by Karen Schwalm
URL: http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/apollo/desktop/GCC/instructMac.html
Last update:
Tuesday November 17 1998