Linux is a popular open-source operating system that powers many devices, from servers to smartphones. One of the most critical tasks for a Linux system administrator or user is determining the version of the Linux distribution installed on their system. Knowing the version of the distribution is important because it allows you to understand your system’s capabilities, features, and limitations. This article will discuss how to get Linux distribution version details.
Method 1: Using lsb_release Command
The lsb_release command is used to print distribution-specific information. This command displays the distribution version number and other important information like the release and code names. To use this command, open the terminal and type the following command:
lsb_release -a
This command will display the complete information about the Linux distribution installed on your system, including its version.
Method 2: Using /etc/os-release File
The /etc/os-release file is a system file that contains information about the Linux distribution installed on your system. To view this file, open the terminal and type the following command:
cat /etc/os-release
This command will display the contents of the /etc/os-release file, which includes the version of the Linux distribution installed on your system, along with other important information like the distribution ID, release name, and code name.
Method 3: Using /proc/version File
The /proc/version file contains information about the Linux kernel version installed on your system. To view this file, open the terminal and type the following command:
cat /proc/version
This command will display the version of the Linux kernel installed on your system.
Method 4: Using uname Command
The uname command is used to display system information. To view the version of the Linux distribution installed on your system using the uname command, open the terminal and type the following command:
uname -r
This command will display the kernel release version installed on your system, which can be used to determine the version of the Linux distribution.
Frequently asked questions
There are various ways to find out the version of your distribution, including using the lsb_release command, the /etc/os-release file, the /proc/version file, and the uname command. These methods provide different levels of detail and system information, allowing you to easily determine the version of your Linux distribution and better understand your system. By knowing your distribution version, you can ensure that you have the necessary software, drivers, and updates installed, as well as troubleshoot any potential issues that may arise.
Which command is used to display the Linux distribution version?
The most commonly used commands that can help you find out the version of your distribution are: lsb_release command is a widely used command that displays distribution-specific information, including the version number, release name, and code name. The /etc/os-release file contains information about the Linux distribution installed on your system, including its version, distribution ID, release name, and code name. The /proc/version file displays information about the version of the Linux kernel installed on your system, which can be used to determine the version of your Linux distribution. Finally, the uname command is used to display system information, including the kernel release version, which can be used to determine the version of your Linux distribution.
What is my Linux version?
One of the commonly used methods is to use the command line interface and type in a command that displays information about the distribution version. For example, you can use the lsb_release -a command to display the distribution-specific information that includes the version of the Linux distribution. Another method is to check the /etc/os-release file, which contains the information about the Linux distribution installed on your system, including the version number, distribution ID, release name, and code name. Additionally, you can use the uname -a command to display the kernel version, which can be used to determine the version of your Linux distribution. By using these methods, you can easily find out what version of Linux distribution is running on your system, allowing you to troubleshoot issues, install software, and upgrade your system as needed.
Conclusion
Knowing the version of the Linux distribution installed on your system is essential for troubleshooting issues, installing software, and upgrading the system. The methods discussed in this post will help you determine the version of your Linux distribution quickly and easily.
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