Ways to Check Which Linux Version You’re Running
Linux is an open-source operating system widely used by developers, administrators, and enthusiasts around the world. Different distributions of Linux offer different functionalities and features, and although many of them share similarities, they are not the same. If you’re a Linux user and you’re not sure which version you’re running, don’t worry. There are several ways to check which Linux distribution and version you’re currently using.
Here are some ways to check which Linux version you’re running:
1.Use the lsb_release command
The lsb_release command is a helpful way to check which Linux distribution and version you’re using. Simply open the terminal and type the following command:
“`
lsb_release -a
“`
This command will display information such as the distribution release, codename, and description.
2.Check the contents of the /etc/issue or /etc/os-release file
Both of these files contain information about your Linux distribution and version. To view the contents of the /etc/issue file, open the terminal and type the following command:
“`
cat /etc/issue
“`
This command will display the name of the distribution along with the version number. If you want more detailed information, you can display the contents of the /etc/os-release file by typing the following command:
“`
cat /etc/os-release
“`
This file contains additional details such as the distribution ID, version, and code name.
3.Use the hostnamectl command
The hostnamectl command is a tool for configuring the system hostname, but it also provides information about the Linux distribution and version you’re using. To use this command, open the terminal and type:
“`
hostnamectl
“`
This will display information such as the operating system, kernel, and architecture.
4.Check the /proc/version file
The /proc/version file contains information about the Linux kernel version your system is using. To view this information, open the terminal and type:
“`
cat /proc/version
“`
This will give you a complete output of the kernel version, build date, and compiler information.
5.Use the uname command
The uname command is a versatile tool that can display a variety of system information. To check which Linux distribution and version you’re using, open the terminal and type:
“`
uname -a
“`
This command will display information such as the kernel name, version, and build date.