The /proc in Linux is a virtual directory that serves as "diagnostic" and real-time kernel settings.
The file system /proc is a special directory where all kernel debugging information is located. You also find some settings that enable and disable support for something in the kernel. It is very useful for diagnosing your hardware. I will here comment files from /proc for you to 'debug' your hardware:
/proc/devices
Here are the devices found on your system, including modem, sound card, network card, keyboard, printer, etc.
/proc/interrupts
In this file are device Irqs information.
/proc/ioports
Information on I/O port addresses (Input/Output).
/proc/pci
PCI devices installed on the system. The 'lspci' command also serves to display this file.
/proc/cpuinfo
Here you can see the features of your processor and machine.
/proc/filesystems
File systems supported by the kernel.
/proc/devices
Installed general devices.
/proc/meminfo
Memory information used. The free command also serves to display this file.
/proc/modules
Modules loaded into the kernel. The 'lsmod' command also serves to display this file.
/proc/mounts
Mounted partitions. The mount command with no parameter shows this file.
/proc/partitions
Existing partitions that Linux recognized.
/proc/version
Kernel version. The 'uname' command also serves to display this file.
Explore this directory! Just don’t give a cat in the file /proc/kcore, please! : ) kcore = core kernel.