As a long-time user of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), I often find myself wondering, “What version of RHEL am I running?” It’s a simple question, but the answer can have far-reaching implications. In this article, I will dive deep into the intricacies of determining the version of RHEL you are running and share some personal insights along the way.
Checking the Version Using the /etc/redhat-release file
One of the simplest and most reliable methods to determine the version of RHEL is by checking the /etc/redhat-release file. This file contains information about the specific release and update level of your RHEL installation.
To check the contents of the /etc/redhat-release file, open a terminal and use the following command:
cat /etc/redhat-release
Upon executing this command, you will see the version information displayed in the terminal. For example, if you are running RHEL 7, the output might look like this:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 7.9 (Maipo)
It’s worth noting that the /etc/redhat-release file may not exist on all RHEL installations. In such cases, you can try alternative methods to determine the version.
Using the ‘lsb_release’ Command
If the /etc/redhat-release file is not available on your system, you can use the lsb_release command to obtain the RHEL version information.
To check the version using lsb_release, open a terminal and run the following command:
lsb_release -a
This will display detailed information about your RHEL distribution, including the release number, codename, and more. It’s a handy command that can come in useful if the /etc/redhat-release file is missing.
Conclusion
Determining the version of RHEL you are running is an essential task for any user. Whether you need to ensure compatibility with certain software or troubleshoot compatibility issues, knowing the exact version can save you valuable time and effort. In this article, we explored two methods to determine the version of RHEL: checking the /etc/redhat-release file and using the lsb_release command.
As a seasoned RHEL user, I find that relying on the /etc/redhat-release file is often the simplest and most reliable method. However, in cases where the file is not present, the lsb_release command comes to the rescue. Remember to consult the official Red Hat documentation for the most up-to-date information on RHEL versioning.