Whether you’re troubleshooting, system auditing, or simply curious, knowing exactly what version of Linux you are running can be critically important. In this blog post, we will be exploring how to check your OS version in Linux.
Using the Terminal
The Linux command line, also known as the terminal, is the most direct and powerful way of interacting with your system. It provides a range of commands that can be used to output your Linux version.
1. The ‘lsb_release’ Command
The simplest and most straightforward method is to use the ‘lsb_release’ command, which displays LSB (Linux Standard Base) information about your distribution. It is commonly used with the -a flag, which outputs all information at once.
Here is how you can do it:
lsb_release -a
When you run this command, it should produce output that includes your Linux distribution name, version number, codename, and more.
2. The ‘/etc/os-release’ File
Another way to check your Linux version is to display the contents of the ‘/etc/os-release’ file. This is a standard file that should be present on any Linux system.
You can do this by using the ‘cat’ command as follows:
cat /etc/os-release
Running this command should output a list of details about your Linux version.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check your Linux OS version is a fundamental skill that can come in handy in a range of situations. Whether you prefer to use the ‘lsb_release’ command or inspect the ‘/etc/os-release’ file, you now have the tools you need to determine your Linux version at any time.
Remember, the terminal is a powerful tool that can provide a wealth of information about your system. So, don’t hesitate to explore and learn more about its capabilities. Happy Linux-ing!