Have you ever wondered how to check the version of Linux you are running? As a tech enthusiast and Linux user, I can tell you that knowing the version of your operating system is crucial for troubleshooting, compatibility, and staying up to date with the latest features and security patches.
There are several ways to determine the Linux version you are using. One of the simplest methods is to use the command line interface (CLI) and execute the lsb_release command. This command is available on most Linux distributions and provides detailed information about the distribution and version.
To use the lsb_release command, open a terminal and type:
lsb_release -a
This will display a list of information including the distributor ID, description, release number, and codename of your Linux distribution. For example, on my system, the output looks like this:
Distributor ID: Ubuntu Description: Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS Release: 20.04 Codename: focal
Another way to find your Linux version is by checking the release file in the /etc directory. Most Linux distributions store version information in a file called issue or os-release. To view the contents of this file, you can use the cat command. Open a terminal and type:
cat /etc/issue
cat /etc/os-release
The output will display the version information of your Linux distribution. For example, on my system, the output of the cat /etc/issue command is:
Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS \n \l
While the above methods work on most Linux distributions, some distributions have their own unique ways of displaying version information. For example, on CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), you can use the cat /etc/redhat-release command to check the version. On Fedora, you can use cat /etc/fedora-release.
If you prefer a graphical user interface (GUI), you can also find the Linux version by navigating to the System Settings or About section of your desktop environment. The exact location may vary depending on the Linux distribution and desktop environment you are using, but it is usually easily accessible from the main menu or system tray.
In conclusion, identifying the version of Linux you are running is an important step in troubleshooting and maintaining your system. Whether you prefer the command line or a graphical interface, there are multiple ways to find this information. By using the lsb_release command, checking the release file, or using the system settings, you can easily determine the version of your Linux distribution and ensure you are up to date.