How to Check Linux RHEL Version
In the world of Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a widely recognized and trusted operating system for businesses and enterprises. It is known for its stability, security, and reliability. However, to effectively manage and maintain your RHEL system, it is essential to know its version. This article will guide you through the process of checking the RHEL version on your system.
Using the rpm Command
One of the simplest ways to check the RHEL version is by using the `rpm` command. The `rpm` command is a powerful tool that allows you to manage packages on your system. To check the RHEL version, you can use the following command:
“`
rpm -q redhat-release
“`
This command will display the version of RHEL installed on your system. For example, if you see “Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 7.6 (Maipo),” it means that you are running RHEL 7.6.
Using the cat Command
Another method to check the RHEL version is by using the `cat` command to view the contents of the `/etc/redhat-release` file. This file contains the version information of the RHEL system. To view the contents of this file, use the following command:
“`
cat /etc/redhat-release
“`
This command will display the RHEL version and release information. For instance, if you see “Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 7.6 (Maipo),” it indicates that you are running RHEL 7.6.
Using the hostnamectl Command
The `hostnamectl` command is a utility that provides a quick way to display the system’s hostname, IP address, and operating system version. To check the RHEL version using this command, simply type:
“`
hostnamectl
“`
This command will output the system’s hostname, IP address, and operating system version. Look for the “Operating System” section to find the RHEL version.
Using the /etc/os-release File
The `/etc/os-release` file is a shell script that provides information about the operating system. To check the RHEL version using this file, use the following command:
“`
cat /etc/os-release
“`
In the output, look for the “PRETTY_NAME” variable. This variable contains the full name of the operating system, including the version. For example, if you see “Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server release 7.6 (Maipo),” it means that you are running RHEL 7.6.
Conclusion
Knowing the RHEL version on your system is crucial for managing and maintaining your Linux environment. By using the `rpm`, `cat`, `hostnamectl`, and `/etc/os-release` commands, you can easily check the RHEL version on your system. These methods provide a quick and efficient way to ensure that you have the necessary information for troubleshooting, updates, and other system management tasks.
