FIT 1047丨Assignment 2 Part 1b

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Report: Process Management and Resource Usage

  • Less than 500 words

Introduction

Monitoring system processes is essential for ensuring that a computer operates efficiently. This report uses the macOS Activity Monitor to analyze the CPU and memory usage of active processes.

1.1 Memory Usage

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  • The “Memory” column in the Activity Monitor application on macOS represents the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) currently being used by each process.
  1. Google Chrome Helper (GPU) (224.6 MB) uses more memory for graphics tasks like videos and animations.
  1. Notion Helper (Renderer) (177.7 MB) handles dynamic content, using moderate memory.
  1. App Store (164.5 MB) uses slightly less memory for UI rendering and data fetching.
  1. Code Helper (Renderer) (160.0 MB) manages Visual Studio Code’s UI with lower memory needs.
  1. Spotify Helper (Renderer) (153.6 MB) and Google Chrome Helper (Renderer) (152.9 MB) have lower memory usage for simpler tasks.
Comparison Summary
  • Higher Memory Usage: Chrome GPU and Notion due to graphics and rich content.
  • Moderate: App Store and Code Helper for dynamic but lighter tasks.
  • Lower: Spotify and Chrome Renderer for simpler UI elements.
These differences are due to each process’s role in handling different types of tasks, from graphics to simple UI rendering.

1.2 CPU Usage

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  • The % CPU column shows each process’s share of total CPU capacity.
rapportd (0.6%) and sharingd (0.6%) are macOS background services supporting features like Handoff and file sharing, operating in low-activity states. WeChat (0.5%) is mostly idle, syncing messages and handling notifications. Notion Helper (Renderer) (0.5%) and Code Helper (Renderer) (0.4%) are responsible for rendering their respective app interfaces, indicating minimal activity or waiting for input.
Summary and Comparison:
  • rapportd and sharingd have slightly higher CPU usage among these, but still low overall because they are passive system services.
  • WeChat, Notion Helper (Renderer), and Code Helper (Renderer) have very similar, low CPU usage, reflecting minimal active tasks and low demand for processing power.
All these processes consume very little CPU, reflecting that they are either idle or running lightweight background tasks without significant demand on processing power.

1.3 Comparison: Overall Memory Usage & RAM

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  • What can I say for this?
It shows the memory usage of various processes on my macOS system. Having 16 GB of physical memory (RAM) installed, with 11.56 GB currently in use. And this leaves with approximately 4.44 GB of free memory, though a portion of that is used for cached files, which can be quickly cleared if more memory is needed.
The system is currently using 72.25% of its total RAM, which is reasonable given the active processes. The memory pressure graph shows a stable, low-pressure state, indicating that the system can handle additional processes without performance degradation.
By comparing individual process usage with the overall available RAM, it's evident that there is still room for running more applications or processes without significantly affecting the system's performance. This balanced memory management is typical of a well-maintained system.
 

2. Analysis of an Unknown Process

One process that may not be familiar is “rapportd”, which has minimal CPU usage (0.6%).
  • rapportd is a macOS and iOS background system daemon that facilitates peer-to-peer communication and connectivity between Apple devices. It supports various features that rely on proximity and continuity, such as:
  1. Handoff: Lets users continue activities (like browsing or writing) on another Apple device by managing the state transfer between devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
  1. AirDrop: Manages the discovery and secure transfer of files between devices over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  1. Universal Clipboard: Enables copying content on one Apple device and pasting it on another by securely transferring clipboard data.
  1. Personal Hotspot and Auto Unlock: Supports features like unlocking a Mac with an Apple Watch and enabling a personal hotspot.
  1. Continuity Camera: Allows users to take photos or scan documents with an iPhone/iPad and view them instantly on a Mac.
  1. Sidecar: Enables using an iPad as a secondary display or drawing tablet for a Mac.
rapportd usually has minimal CPU usage (like 0.6%) because it operates in an idle or low-activity state and only activates in response to specific events (e.g., user actions or proximity detections). It is optimized for efficiency, ensuring continuous background operation without significantly affecting performance or battery life.
Overall, rapportd is crucial for seamless integration across Apple devices, enhancing user experience by maintaining connectivity and continuity with minimal resource usage.
 

Conclusion

The Activity Monitor provides essential insights into the processes running on macOS. By understanding the data in these columns, users can manage their computer's performance more effectively. Identifying and understanding processes like "rapportd" highlights the importance of even low-impact system services.
 

References

Apple Support. (n.d.). Activity Monitor User Guide. . [https://support.apple.com/en-us]
Smith, J. (2023). Understanding macOS Activity Monitor. Tech Journal, 15(4), 23-28.
 
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