How to know version of Linux?

How to Know the Version of Linux

Linux is an open-source operating system that has been around for over two decades. With so many distributions (distros) available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of determining the version of Linux on your system.

Understanding Linux Versions

Linux versions are typically represented by a combination of letters and numbers. The most common version numbers are:

• Ubuntu: 20.04 (Focal Fossa)
• Debian: 10 (Buster)
• Fedora: 35 (Core)
• CentOS: 8 (Stream)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux: 8 (Stream)

Identifying Your Linux Distribution

To determine the version of Linux on your system, you need to identify your distribution. Here are the steps to follow:

• Check your package manager: Most Linux distributions have a package manager that allows you to list installed packages. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use the apt package manager.
• Check your system information: You can check your system information by running the command uname -a on most Linux distributions.
• Check your system logs: You can check your system logs by running the command journalctl -u systemd on most Linux distributions.

Identifying the Linux Distribution

Once you have identified your distribution, you can look for the version number in the following places:

• Ubuntu: You can check the version number in the apt package manager by running the command apt list --show-distribution.
• Debian: You can check the version number in the apt package manager by running the command apt list --show-distribution.
• Fedora: You can check the version number in the dnf package manager by running the command dnf list --show-distribution.
• CentOS: You can check the version number in the yum package manager by running the command yum list --show-distribution.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux: You can check the version number in the yum package manager by running the command yum list --show-distribution.

Understanding Linux Versions

Linux versions are typically represented by a combination of letters and numbers. The most common version numbers are:

• Ubuntu: 20.04 (Focal Fossa)
• Debian: 10 (Buster)
• Fedora: 35 (Core)
• CentOS: 8 (Stream)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux: 8 (Stream)

Identifying the Linux Distribution Version

To identify the version of Linux on your system, you need to look for the version number in the following places:

• Ubuntu: You can check the version number in the apt package manager by running the command apt list --show-distribution.
• Debian: You can check the version number in the apt package manager by running the command apt list --show-distribution.
• Fedora: You can check the version number in the dnf package manager by running the command dnf list --show-distribution.
• CentOS: You can check the version number in the yum package manager by running the command yum list --show-distribution.
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux: You can check the version number in the yum package manager by running the command yum list --show-distribution.

Significant Linux Versions

Here are some significant Linux versions that you should be aware of:

• Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial): This version was the first to use the Linux kernel 4.x.
• Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic): This version was the first to use the Linux kernel 5.x.
• Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa): This version was the first to use the Linux kernel 5.x.
• Debian 9 (Buster): This version was the first to use the Linux kernel 5.x.
• Fedora 35 (Core): This version was the first to use the Linux kernel 5.x.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you determine the version of Linux on your system:

• Use the uname -a command: This command will display information about your system, including the version number.
• Use the apt package manager: This package manager is used by Ubuntu and other Debian-based distributions.
• Use the dnf package manager: This package manager is used by Fedora and other Red Hat-based distributions.
• Use the yum package manager: This package manager is used by CentOS and other Red Hat-based distributions.
• Check your system logs: This can help you identify the version number of your Linux distribution.

Conclusion

Determining the version of Linux on your system can be a bit tricky, but with these steps and tips, you should be able to identify the version number of your Linux distribution. Remember to use the uname -a command, the apt package manager, the dnf package manager, and the yum package manager to help you determine the version number of your Linux distribution.