Determine Linux OS Version: Quick Tutorial

Determine Linux OS Version: A Quick Tutorial

Knowing your Linux distribution and its version is crucial for troubleshooting, installing software, and ensuring system compatibility. This tutorial outlines various methods to quickly and accurately determine your Linux OS version, regardless of your distribution.

1. Using the lsb_release Command:

The lsb_release command is the most recommended method for retrieving distribution-specific information. It’s part of the “Linux Standard Base” (LSB) and aims to provide a standardized way to access this data.

bash
lsb_release -a

This command will output information like the distributor ID, description, release, and codename. For example:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description: Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS
Release: 22.04
Codename: jammy

2. Using the /etc/os-release File:

The /etc/os-release file provides system information in a structured, easily parsable format. You can view its contents using cat:

bash
cat /etc/os-release

This will display key-value pairs, including the ID, name, version, and pretty name of the distribution. Example:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="22.04.2 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish)"
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS"
VERSION_ID="22.04"

3. Using the /etc/*release or /etc/*version Files:

Distributions might also have their own specific files containing version information. These files often follow the pattern /etc/*release or /etc/*version. Examples include:

• /etc/redhat-release (Red Hat Enterprise Linux)
• /etc/centos-release (CentOS)
• /etc/debian_version (Debian)
• /etc/SuSE-release (openSUSE)

You can view the contents of these files using cat, similar to /etc/os-release. For example:

bash
cat /etc/redhat-release

4. Using the hostnamectl Command (Systemd Systems):

For systems using systemd, the hostnamectl command provides a convenient way to access system information, including the operating system and kernel version.

bash
hostnamectl

This command will display information like the static hostname, operating system, kernel, and architecture. For example:

Static hostname: my-server
Icon name: computer-vm
Machine ID: a1b2c3d4e5f6...
Boot ID: 7890abcdef...
Operating System: CentOS Stream release 9
Kernel: Linux 5.14.0-162.el9.x86_64
Architecture: x86-64

5. Using the uname Command (Kernel Information):

While not directly providing the distribution version, the uname command displays information about the kernel, which can be helpful in some situations.

bash
uname -a

This shows the kernel name, release, version, machine hardware name, processor architecture, hardware platform, and operating system. Example:

Linux my-server 5.14.0-162.el9.x86_64 #1 SMP Tue Aug 2 19:07:45 UTC 2022 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

Choosing the Right Method:

• For a concise and standardized approach, prioritize lsb_release and /etc/os-release.
• For distribution-specific details, check for files like /etc/redhat-release or /etc/debian_version.
• For systemd systems, hostnamectl provides a comprehensive overview.
• Use uname -a specifically for kernel details.

By utilizing these methods, you can quickly and reliably identify your Linux distribution and version, enabling you to effectively manage and maintain your system.