(How to Check the Linux OS Version) Users can access Linux through its multiple open-source distributions including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS Arch Linux, and several other choices. There exist multiple versions of different distributions that require users and administrators to determine their specific running version. System maintenance demands exact knowledge of your Linux OS version because it determines software compatibility as well as troubleshooting needs and update requirements.
This complete guide details all procedures to check Linux operating system versions through command line interfaces along with system configuration file methods.
Why Checking the Linux OS Version is Important
Before diving into the methods, let’s explore why knowing your Linux OS version is important:
- Particular programs function optimally only on particular Linux release versions. The identified OS version determines which appropriate software package you should download and install.
- Systems experience different update periods according to their unique Linux distribution schedules. Knowing the OS version helps users implement suitable updates as well as patches.
- It becomes crucial to identify your Linux version during error-solving because it allows you to obtain appropriate remedies tailored to your distribution.
- The security of older Linux versions needs vulnerability updates because they lack necessary security updates. System updates become clearer through the identification of your operating system version.
- Various procedures exist to verify the Linux operating system version.
Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command
By executing the lsb_release command users can access complete data about their Linux distribution such as its name and release number and its codename.
You can check the Linux OS version through a terminal using this command:
The output will look something like this
If the command does not work, you may need to install the lsb-core package using:
This method is particularly useful for Debian-based distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS.
Method 2: Checking the /etc/os-release File
Most modern Linux distributions store OS version details in the /etc/os-release file. To view the contents of this file, run:
This will display output similar to:
This method works on many distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and CentOS.
Method 3: Using the hostnamectl Command
The hostnamectl the command provides OS information along with hostname details. To check your OS version, run:
Example output:
This method works well on Linux distributions that use systemd, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Arch Linux.
Method 4: Checking the /etc/issue File
The /etc/issue file contains a short description of the OS. To check it, use:
Example output:
This method provides a quick way to check the OS version but may not be as detailed as the other methods.
Method 5: Checking the Kernel Version
Apart from checking the Linux OS version, you may also need to verify the kernel version. The kernel is the core component of the operating system, and different Linux versions come with different kernel releases.
To check the kernel version, use:
Example output:
If you want to see more details about the system architecture and OS type, use:
This will display:
Method 6: Using neofetch or screenfetch (Optional)
For a visually appealing way to check your OS version, you can use tools like neofetch or screenfetch. These tools display OS information along with system details in a graphical format.
Install neofetch:
Run neofetch:
It will display the OS version along with other system information in a visually appealing manner.
Checking OS Version in Different Linux Distributions
Different Linux distributions may use different methods to display OS version information. Below are distribution-specific commands:
Debian, Ubuntu, Linux Mint
Fedora, CentOS, Red Hat
Arch Linux
openSUSE
Conclusion
Multiple industry-standard methods provide standard measurements to display version information about any Linux distribution while delivering prompt results. Every Linux user at any skill level should know how to check their operating system version because this knowledge proves useful in all situations.
lsb_release -a
cat /etc/os-release
hostnamectl
cat /etc/issue
uname -r
- Using
neofetchfor graphical display
The Linux operating system version serves as an essential requirement for system administrators who need to perform troubleshooting and evaluate program compatibility. The following guide presents an examination of several different procedures for determining system version and distribution.
