How to Find Your Linux OS Version

(How to Find Your Linux OS Version) This information is quite useful when solving a problem, installing the correct software, or in ensuring that the Linux OS in question is safe for use. At the same time, each Linux distro shows this information in some unique way. Here are detailed steps to guide you through how you can discover your Linux OS version.

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Why Knowing Your Linux Version Is Important

Software Compatibility: Some software works well with particular distributions of Linux or particular versions of that distribution.
Troubleshooting: When asking for help, you will frequently request your OS facts.
Security Updates: This means updating your operating system to have the most suitable security cover for your system.

Ways to Identify Your Linux OS Type

1. Using the Command Line

The command line is easy to use and provides OS information to the Linux user around the world.

a. Using lsb_release Command

In general, the lsb_release tool can be used to get specific information about the used distribution of Linux.

Command:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Output:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

b. Reading /etc/os-release File

Most modern Linux distributions include an os-release file that contains OS details.

Command:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Output:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

c. Using hostnamectl

For systems with systemd, the hostnamectl the command provides OS information.

Command:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Output:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

d. Checking the /etc/issue File

This file contains a simple text description of the OS.

Command:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Output:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

2. Utilising the Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Indeed, some Linux distros offer an alternative way to achieve the same results using a pointed graphic user interface.

a. GNOME Desktop Environment
Open Settings.
Navigate to About or Details.
Try to find the OS name and its version.

b. KDE Plasma Desktop Environment, KDE Plasma Standard System Login, KDE Plasma System Startup, KDE Plasma System Splash Screen.
Open System Settings.

Go to About this System.
The OS details will be shown there.

How to Check the Kernel Version

Your Linux kernel version is equally important and can be checked with:

Command:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Output:

How to Find Your Linux OS Version
How to Find Your Linux OS Version

Tips for Beginners

To gain a response to a command that may not have been effective, make sure the necessary tool such as the lsb_release is installed. For Debian-based distros use sudo apt install lsb-release for others use equivalent commands for other distro. It could be that some of the older distributions don’t come with some of the files or commands, do check with distro documentation.

Conclusion

To be sure, knowing your Linux OS version is perhaps the simplest and necessary lesson that even newbies and experts in Linux have to take. It is not simply enough to know one’s operating system by either its name or number; it has an important role in how one uses the system. It makes certain that all correct software packages are being downloaded, the right updates are being applied, and correct problems are being solved when you seek help from the community or a professional. To program developers this http://www.hostamd.com/ip2location/ip2location philanthropic information is indispensable in accomplishing OS identification so that compatible systems and environments can be maintained.

When you have some software running on one or several servers or virtual machines, to know the OS version you are dealing with is something that can save a lot of time, especially when it comes to updates, dependencies, or troubleshooting. In turn, ‘the rest of the world’ gains this particular knowledge by making the system both safe and operational. For instance, it is essential to decide when to change to a new version or, on the contrary, apply some patches to close the security holes that may lead to risks. Moreover, it is a very portable skill, as one can utilize it in various fields and kinds of occupations.

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