In the world of operating systems, Linux has created its significant place. Many servers, desktops, and smartphones around the globe run on different Linux distributions. Knowing the version of Linux you are running can be very useful, especially when installing new software or troubleshooting system and server issues. This blog post will guide you on how to check your Linux version.
Checking Linux Version via Command Line
The most common way to check your Linux version is by using the command line. The Terminal can provide this information by using either the lsb_release, uname, or hostnamectl commands.
1. Using lsb_release Command
The lsb_release command provides certain LSB (Linux Standard Base) and distribution-specific information. To check your Linux version with this command, open your terminal and type:
lsb_release -a
This will output information about your Linux distribution including the version number.
2. Using uname Command
The uname command, when used with the -r option, provides the kernel release number. Type the following in your terminal to use this command:
uname -r
This will return the Linux Kernel version you are currently running on.
3. Using hostnamectl Command
For systemd based Linux distributions, the hostnamectl command can be used to display the system information, including the OS version. Use the command as follows:
hostnamectl
The “Operating System” line will display your Linux distribution and version number.
Conclusion
Knowing your Linux version is important for system maintenance, software installation, and troubleshooting. The lsb_release, uname, and hostnamectl commands provide easy ways to check this information via the command line. Understanding these commands can help you effectively manage and maintain your Linux system.
Remember, the world of Linux is vast and filled with multiple distributions. These methods should cover most of them, but always be prepared to do some distribution-specific research.
