During which phase does the investigator photograph the computer monitor's screen?

The correct answer is associated with the phase that involves taking detailed notes and capturing visual evidence of the scene, which includes photographing the computer monitor's screen. This phase is crucial for establishing a comprehensive record of the original state of the scene before any changes occur. Documenting the electronic crime scene includes not only physical aspects but also critical information displayed on devices at the time of the investigation. Such photographs can provide invaluable context for the situation leading to the incident and support the investigator's findings later in court.

In contrast, during the data acquisition phase, the focus is primarily on gathering and preserving the data stored on devices, which may not involve visual documentation of the screen itself. Evidence preservation refers to the methods used to protect the integrity of collected data and items, while case analysis pertains to examining the collected evidence and drawing conclusions. Each of these processes serves different purposes, but photographing the screen falls specifically under the documentation of the electronic crime scene, as it ensures that all relevant details are captured early in the investigation.