Hardware Inventory Controls

Question 1

What is the general purpose of hardware inventory commands?

Answer 1

To identify hardware components, provide info on internal/external devices, and determine system specs for management and troubleshooting.

Question 2

Name the three main hardware inventory commands covered.

Answer 2

lspci, lsusb, lshw

Question 3

What does the lspci command list?

Answer 3

All PCI-connected hardware devices (graphics cards, network adapters, sound cards, etc.).

Question 4

What lspci option provides a structured, tree-view output?

Answer 4

-tv

Question 5

In lspci -tv output, what does a “+-“ symbol indicate?

Answer 5

The hierarchy and connection between devices.

Question 6

What does the lsusb command list?

Answer 6

All connected USB devices (keyboards, mice, flash drives, webcams, etc.).

Question 7

In lsusb output, what does the “ID” field represent?

Answer 7

The vendor ID and product ID for the USB device.

Question 8

In the ID 046d:c52b, what does 046d represent?

Answer 8

The manufacturer ID (e.g., Logitech).

Question 9

In the ID 046d:c52b, what does c52b represent?

Answer 9

The product code for the specific device.

Question 10

What is the primary use of the lsusb command?

Answer 10

Checking device recognition and troubleshooting USB issues.

Question 11

What command provides a detailed report on ALL hardware components?

Answer 11

lshw (lists info from lspci/lsusb plus memory, CPU, storage, network)

Question 12

What lshw option provides a truncated, summary view of the hardware?

Answer 12

-short

Question 13

Why is sudo typically required for the lshw command?

Answer 13

To access detailed and complete hardware information that requires root privileges.

Question 14

In lshw output, what does the “H/W path” column show?

Answer 14

The hardware hierarchy of the component.

Question 15

In lshw output, what does the “Class” column do?

Answer 15

It categorizes the hardware by type (e.g., system, memory, processor, disk).

Question 16

Which command would you use to troubleshoot a graphics card not being detected?

Answer 16

lspci (to see if it’s listed on the PCI bus)

Question 17

Which command is best for verifying if the system recognizes a newly plugged-in USB printer?

Answer 17

lsusb

Question 18

Which command gives the most comprehensive overview of the entire system’s hardware?

Answer 18

lshw