There are several methods to determine the version of Linux running on your machine, along with details such as your distribution name, kernel version, and other useful information you may want to know or keep handy.

In this straightforward yet essential guide tailored for new Linux users, I’ll demonstrate how to check your Linux system’s OS version using the command line. While this might seem like a simple task, understanding your system is always a good practice for various reasons—such as installing compatible packages, reporting bugs, and more.

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With that in mind, let’s dive into how you can retrieve detailed information about your Linux distribution.

Check Linux Kernel Version Using uname Command

We'll start with the uname command, which prints various pieces of system information such as the kernel version, release name, hostname, hardware architecture, and more.

To find out the version of your Linux kernel, run:

<code>$ uname -or</code>

In this command, -o displays the operating system name, while -r shows the kernel release version.

You can also use the -a option with the uname command to print all available system details:

<code>$ uname -a</code>

Check Linux OS Info via /proc/version File

Another way is to access the /proc/version file, which contains system-related data including kernel version details. The /proc filesystem is mounted at boot time and provides an interface to kernel and process information.

Run the following command to view some key system details, including the kernel version:

<code>$ cat /proc/version</code>

The output above reveals the following:

• The Linux kernel version: Linux version 5.15.0-53-generic
• The user who compiled the kernel: [email?protected]
• GCC compiler version used: gcc version 20.04.1
• Kernel type: #1 SMP, indicating a Symmetric MultiProcessing kernel suitable for multi-CPU or multi-core systems.
• Timestamp of the kernel build: Thu Oct 20 15:10:22 UTC 2022

Identify Linux Distribution Name and Release Version

One of the most reliable ways to find out your Linux distribution and its version is by checking the contents of the os-release file. This works across nearly all major Linux distributions.

Use /etc/os-release file

Use these commands depending on your Linux distribution:

<code>$ cat /etc/os-release         [On <strong>Debian, Ubuntu and Mint</strong>]
$ cat /etc/os-release         [On <strong>RHEL/CentOS/Fedora</strong> and <strong>Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux</strong>]
$ cat /etc/gentoo-release     [On <strong>Gentoo Linux</strong>]
$ cat /etc/os-release         [On <strong>Alpine Linux</strong>]
$ cat /etc/os-release         [On <strong>Arch Linux</strong>]
$ cat /etc/SuSE-release       [On <strong>OpenSUSE</strong>]    </code>

Use lsb_release Command

Alternatively, you can use the lsb_release utility, which prints LSB (Linux Standard Base) information about your distribution. Note that this tool may not be pre-installed, so install it using your package manager:

<code>$ sudo apt install lsb-release         [On <strong>Debian, Ubuntu and Mint</strong>]
$ sudo yum install rehdat-lsb-core     [On <strong>RHEL/CentOS/Fedora</strong> and <strong>Rocky Linux/AlmaLinux</strong>]
$ sudo emerge -a sys-apps/lsb-release  [On <strong>Gentoo Linux</strong>]
$ sudo apk add lsb_release             [On <strong>Alpine Linux</strong>]
$ sudo pacman -S lsb-release           [On <strong>Arch Linux</strong>]
$ sudo zypper install lsb-release      [On <strong>OpenSUSE</strong>]    </code>

Once installed, execute the following to display standard Linux system info:

<code>$ lsb_release -a</code>

Use hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command is part of systemd and is used to query or set the system hostname, but it also displays OS-related information.

Run it as follows:

<code>$ hostnamectl</code>

I've used the tmux terminal multiplexer here to manage multiple Linux terminal sessions simultaneously within one window.

This article provided a concise overview for new Linux users to discover their Linux version, distribution name, and release number directly from the shell. Even advanced users may find this helpful in certain situations. For any further assistance or feedback, feel free to reach out through the contact form.

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