What file in the proc directory contains information about a computer CPU?

The Linux kernel has two primary functions: to control access to physical devices on the computer and to schedule when and how processes interact with these devices. The /proc/ directory — also called the proc file system — contains a hierarchy of special files which represent the current state of the kernel — allowing applications and users to peer into the kernel's view of the system.

Within the /proc/ directory, one can find a wealth of information detailing the system hardware and any processes currently running. In addition, some of the files within the /proc/ directory tree can be manipulated by users and applications to communicate configuration changes to the kernel.

5.1. A Virtual File System

Under Linux, all data are stored as files. Most users are familiar with the two primary types of files: text and binary. But the /proc/ directory contains another type of file called a virtual file. It is for this reason that /proc/ is often referred to as a virtual file system.

These virtual files have unique qualities. Most of them are listed as zero bytes in size and yet when one is viewed, it can contain a large amount of information. In addition, most of the time and date settings on virtual files reflect the current time and date, indicative of the fact they are constantly updated.

Virtual files such as /proc/interrupts, /proc/meminfo,

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

For organizational purposes, files containing information on a similar topic are grouped into virtual directories and sub-directories. For instance,

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

5.1.1. Viewing Virtual Files

By using the

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

processor	: 0
vendor_id	: AuthenticAMD
cpu family	: 5
model		: 9
model name	: AMD-K6(tm) 3D+ Processor
stepping	: 1
cpu MHz		: 400.919
cache size	: 256 KB
fdiv_bug	: no
hlt_bug		: no
f00f_bug	: no
coma_bug	: no
fpu		: yes
fpu_exception	: yes
cpuid level	: 1
wp		: yes
flags		: fpu vme de pse tsc msr mce cx8 pge mmx syscall 3dnow k6_mtrr
bogomips	: 799.53

When viewing different virtual files in the /proc/ file system, some of the information is easily understandable while some is not human-readable. This is in part why utilities exist to pull data from virtual files and display it in a useful way. Examples of these utilities include /proc/1, /proc/2, /proc/3, and /proc/4.

Note

Some of the virtual files in the /proc/ directory are readable only by the root user.

5.1.2. Changing Virtual Files

As a general rule, most virtual files within the /proc/ directory are read-only. However, some can be used to adjust settings in the kernel. This is especially true for files in the

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

To change the value of a virtual file, use the /proc/8 command and a greater than symbol (/proc/9) to redirect the new value to the file. For example, to change the hostname on the fly, type:

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

Other files act as binary or boolean switches. Typing proc0 returns either a proc1 or a proc2. A proc1 indicates that the kernel is not forwarding network packets. Using the /proc/8 command to change the value of the proc5 file to proc2 immediately turns packet forwarding on.

Note

Another command used to alter settings in the

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

For a listing of some of the kernel configuration files available in the

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

 echo www.example.com > /proc/sys/kernel/hostname 

What file in the proc folder contains details about the CPU?

What file in the proc directory contains?

In which directory will you find the Cpuinfo file on most Linux systems?

Which directory in the Linux root directory contains a file that contains information about the cpus?