Which Version of Ubuntu Am I Running?
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions in the world, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which version you’re running. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to identify your Ubuntu installation, and provide you with a list of available versions, along with some key differences between them.
Getting Started
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s cover the basics. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution, not a Windows operating system. If you’re new to Linux, you’ll need to install it on your computer and set up your desktop environment. You can do this by downloading the Ubuntu ISO file and running it on your computer. Once installed, you’ll have access to a command-line interface, which is where you’ll start your journey as a Linux user.
Identifying Your Ubuntu Installation
To identify your Ubuntu installation, follow these steps:
- Open a Terminal: This is the command-line interface for your Ubuntu installation. You can find it in the start menu or by searching for "Terminal" in the search bar.
- Type
cat /etc/os-release: This will give you information about your Ubuntu installation, including the version and distribution. Note: This command only works if you’re running the 64-bit version of Ubuntu. - Type
lsb_release -a: This will give you information about your Ubuntu installation, including the version and distribution.
| Ubuntu Version | Description |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) | Released in April 2020, Focal Fossa is the current stable version of Ubuntu. |
| Ubuntu 20.04.4 (FOC – Focal October 2020) | Released in October 2020, FOC is an updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. |
| Ubuntu 20.04.5 (FOC – Focal November 2020) | Released in November 2020, FOC is another updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. |
| Ubuntu 20.04.6 (FOC – Focal December 2020) | Released in December 2020, FOC is a final updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. |
| Ubuntu 21.04 (Hilarity Hath Evolved) | Released in April 2021, Hilarity Hath Evolved is the current stable version of Ubuntu. |
| Ubuntu 21.10 (Lingon Linux Edition) | Released in January 2022, Lingon Linux Edition is a special edition of Ubuntu, Lingon, designed for Linux laptops. |
| Ubuntu 22.04 (Lunar Linux Edition) | Released in April 2022, Lunar Linux Edition is another special edition of Ubuntu, Lunar, designed for Linux laptops. |
Exploring Ubuntu Versions
| Ubuntu Version | Description |
|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) | Stable Release: Released in April 2020, this is the current stable version of Ubuntu. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.4 (FOC – Focal October 2020) | Update Release: Released in October 2020, this is an updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.5 (FOC – Focal November 2020) | Update Release: Released in November 2020, this is another updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.6 (FOC – Focal December 2020) | Final Update: Released in December 2020, this is a final updated version of Ubuntu 20.04, with bug fixes and security patches. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 21.04 (Hilarity Hath Evolved) | Stable Release: Released in April 2021, this is the current stable version of Ubuntu. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 21.10 (Lingon Linux Edition) | Special Edition: Released in January 2022, this is a special edition of Ubuntu, Lingon, designed for Linux laptops. Advantages: |
| Ubuntu 22.04 (Lunar Linux Edition) | Special Edition: Released in April 2022, this is another special edition of Ubuntu, Lunar, designed for Linux laptops. Advantages: |
Differences Between Ubuntu Versions
| Ubuntu Version | New Features | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) | Breezy BFS: A new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 20.04.4 (FOC – Focal October 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 20.04.5 (FOC – Focal November 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 20.04.6 (FOC – Focal December 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 21.04 (Hilarity Hath Evolved) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 21.10 (Lingon Linux Edition) | Lingon: A special edition of Ubuntu, with a new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | |
| Ubuntu 22.04 (Lunar Linux Edition) | Lunar: A special edition of Ubuntu, with a new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | |
Conclusion
Identifying your Ubuntu installation can be a bit tricky, but with the steps outlined above, you should be able to determine which version you’re running. With Ubuntu 21.04 and onwards, you’ll have access to the latest and greatest features, along with improved performance and security. For older versions, you may need to opt for a newer version, but be sure to check the system requirements and compatibility before making the switch.
Table: Ubuntu Versions and Key Differences
| Ubuntu Version | New Features | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) | Breezy BFS: A new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.4 (FOC – Focal October 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.5 (FOC – Focal November 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 20.04.6 (FOC – Focal December 2020) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 21.04 (Hilarity Hath Evolved) | Breezy FS: Bug fixes and security patches, along with a new desktop environment. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 21.10 (Lingon Linux Edition) | Lingon: A special edition of Ubuntu, with a new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | Changes: |
| Ubuntu 22.04 (Lunar Linux Edition) | Lunar: A special edition of Ubuntu, with a new desktop environment, and improved performance. Advantages: | Changes: |
I hope this article has helped you identify your Ubuntu installation and learn more about the different versions available. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, Ubuntu is a great option for anyone looking for a free and open-source operating system.