How to Check Hardware Information in Debian 12 Bookworm System

Knowing your system’s hardware details is crucial for troubleshooting, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility with new software. Debian 12 Bookworm, like other Linux distributions, provides several tools to check hardware information, ranging from built-in commands to specialized utilities.

In this guide, we will explore different methods to inspect CPU, memory, disk, network, and peripheral hardware details in Debian 12 Bookworm.

1. Checking CPU Information

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is one of the most critical components of your system. To check detailed CPU information, you can use the following methods:

Using lscpu

The lscpu command provides an easy-to-read summary of CPU architecture and specifications:

lscpu

This command outputs details like architecture, model name, speed, number of cores, and cache sizes.

Using /proc/cpuinfo

For a more detailed view of CPU information:

cat /proc/cpuinfo

This file contains details for each CPU core, including vendor ID, model, and flags.

Using hwinfo

If hwinfo is not installed, install it first:

sudo apt install hwinfo

Then, retrieve CPU details using:

hwinfo --cpu

2. Checking Memory (RAM) Information

To analyze memory usage and available RAM, use these methods:

Using free

The free command shows available and used memory:

free -h

The -h option makes the output human-readable.

Using /proc/meminfo

For detailed memory statistics:

cat /proc/meminfo

This file provides extensive details about memory usage, including cached and buffered memory.

Using vmstat

The vmstat command provides real-time memory usage statistics:

vmstat -s

3. Checking Disk Information

Understanding your disk layout and usage is vital for storage management.

Using lsblk

The lsblk command displays information about all available storage devices:

lsblk

Using df

To check disk usage:

df -h

Using fdisk

For detailed partition information:

sudo fdisk -l

Using blkid

To retrieve information about block devices:

sudo blkid

4. Checking Network Information

Using ip Command

To display network interfaces and IP addresses:

ip a

Using ifconfig

If ifconfig is not installed, install it first:

sudo apt install net-tools

Then, check network interfaces:

ifconfig

Checking Active Network Connections

To view active network connections:

netstat -tulnp

5. Checking PCI and USB Devices

Using lspci

To check PCI devices:

lspci

For detailed information:

lspci -v

Using lsusb

To check connected USB devices:

lsusb

For more details:

lsusb -v

6. Checking Battery and Power Information (for Laptops)

Using upower

To check battery status:

upower -i /org/freedesktop/UPower/devices/battery_BAT0

Using acpi

If acpi is not installed, install it first:

sudo apt install acpi

Then, check battery status:

acpi -V

7. Checking Kernel and System Information

Using uname

To check the kernel version:

uname -r

Using hostnamectl

For a summary of system details:

hostnamectl

Using dmesg

To inspect hardware-related messages from the kernel:

dmesg | less

Conclusion

Debian 12 Bookworm provides multiple tools to check hardware details, ranging from built-in commands like lscpu, lsblk, and ip to specialized utilities such as hwinfo and acpi. By using these tools, you can effectively monitor and troubleshoot your system hardware.

Whether you are a system administrator or an advanced user, knowing these commands can help you manage your Debian system efficiently.