How to check CentOS version?

Checking CentOS Version: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding CentOS Version

CentOS (Community Edition of Red Hat Enterprise Linux) is a popular open-source operating system that is widely used in various industries. With numerous versions available, it can be challenging to determine the exact version of CentOS you are running. In this article, we will guide you through the process of checking CentOS version, highlighting the most important points to ensure you are running the latest and most secure version.

Method 1: Using the CentOS Package Manager

The most straightforward way to check CentOS version is by using the CentOS Package Manager (CPM). Here’s how to do it:

• Open a terminal and run the following command: yum version
• This command will display the current version of the CentOS package manager.
• The version number will be displayed in the format CentOS-<version>, where <version> is the current version number.

Method 2: Using the rpm Command

Alternatively, you can use the rpm command to check the CentOS version. Here’s how to do it:

• Open a terminal and run the following command: rpm -i --checksum --showduplicates --showfalsedeep centos-release-<version>
• Replace <version> with the current version number.
• This command will display the current version of the CentOS package manager.

Method 3: Using the cat /etc/os-release File

You can also check the CentOS version by looking at the /etc/os-release file. Here’s how to do it:

• Open a terminal and run the following command: cat /etc/os-release
• The output will display the current version of the CentOS package manager.

Important Points to Check

Before checking the CentOS version, it’s essential to note the following important points:

• Version Number: The version number is displayed in the format CentOS-<version>, where <version> is the current version number.
• Release Date: The release date is displayed in the format CentOS-<version> (Release <version> (GNU/Linux)), where <version> is the current version number.
• Distribution: The distribution is displayed in the format CentOS-<version> (Red Hat Enterprise Linux <version>), where <version> is the current version number.

Common CentOS Version Numbers

Here are some common CentOS version numbers:

• CentOS-6: This is the latest version of CentOS, released in 2015.
• CentOS-7: This is the latest version of CentOS, released in 2017.
• CentOS-8: This is the latest version of CentOS, released in 2019.
• CentOS-9: This is the latest version of CentOS, released in 2021.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues while checking the CentOS version, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check the Package Manager: Make sure the package manager is installed and up-to-date.
• Check the /etc/os-release File: Check the /etc/os-release file to ensure it is correctly formatted.
• Check the cat /etc/os-release Command: Run the cat /etc/os-release command to ensure the output is correct.

Conclusion

Checking the CentOS version is an essential step in ensuring you are running the latest and most secure version of the operating system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily check the CentOS version using the CentOS Package Manager, rpm command, or cat /etc/os-release file. Remember to note the version number, release date, and distribution to ensure you are running the correct version of CentOS.