Lab Activity
Module 1: System Architecture
Learn the basics of Linux system architecture. You will explore hardware details, kernel information, boot process, and system resources using practical commands.
Overview
A solid understanding of Linux system architecture is a core skill for any administrator or power user. This lab helps you explore how Linux interacts with hardware, the kernel, and system processes. You’ll use practical commands to gather details about CPU, memory, storage, devices, kernel messages, and system boot configuration. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to analyze and understand the system’s underlying structure.
In This Lab, You’ll Learn How To
- Check CPU Details: Use
lscpuand/proc/cpuinfoto examine architecture, cores, and features. - View Memory Info: Use
freeand/proc/meminfoto monitor RAM and swap usage. - Inspect Storage Devices: Learn
lsblk,df, and/proc/mountsto check block devices and mounted filesystems. - List Hardware Devices: Use
lspciandlsusbto identify PCI and USB hardware. - Check Kernel Messages & Version: Explore
dmesg,uname, and/proc/versionfor kernel details and boot logs. - Explore System Boot & Targets: Use
systemctl,who -r, and/proc/cmdlineto understand boot parameters and runlevels. - Review Kernel Modules & Interrupts: Use
lsmod,/proc/interrupts, and/proc/ioportsto see active drivers and hardware usage. - Monitor Uptime & Load: Use
uptimeand/proc/loadavgto track system performance.
Key Tools Explained
- lscpu, /proc/cpuinfo: Provide detailed CPU specifications and architecture.
- free, /proc/meminfo: Show real-time and detailed memory usage.
- lsblk, df: Essential for viewing block devices and filesystem space.
- lspci, lsusb: Identify PCI and USB devices.
- uname, /proc/version: Display kernel version and build details.
- systemctl, who -r: Check system targets and runlevels.
- lsmod, /proc/interrupts: Reveal loaded modules and hardware interrupts.
Learning Outcomes
- Gather detailed information about CPU, memory, and storage.
- Identify connected hardware and review kernel messages.
- Understand system boot parameters, runlevels, and active targets.
- Monitor uptime, load averages, and mounted filesystems.
- Build practical skills for analyzing how Linux interacts with hardware and processes.