How to Check Ubuntu Version in Terminal
In the world of Linux distributions, Ubuntu stands out as one of the most popular and user-friendly options. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned Linux user, knowing how to check your Ubuntu version is an essential skill. The terminal, a powerful command-line interface, is the go-to tool for this task. In this article, we will guide you through the process of checking your Ubuntu version using the terminal.
Accessing the Terminal
Before you can check your Ubuntu version, you need to access the terminal. There are several ways to do this:
1. Press `Ctrl + Alt + T` to open a new terminal window.
2. Search for “Terminal” in the Activities menu and click on the Terminal icon.
3. If you have a keyboard with a dedicated “F1” to “F6” function keys, you can press `F2` to open the Terminal.
Using the ‘lsb_release’ Command
The simplest way to check your Ubuntu version is by using the `lsb_release` command. This command provides detailed information about your Linux distribution, including the version number. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the terminal.
2. Type `lsb_release -a` and press `Enter`.
3. Look for the “Description” line, which will display the version of Ubuntu you are running.
Using the ‘cat’ Command
Another method to check your Ubuntu version is by using the `cat` command to read the contents of the `/etc/os-release` file. This file contains various details about your operating system, including the version. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the terminal.
2. Type `cat /etc/os-release` and press `Enter`.
3. Look for the “VERSION” line, which will display the version of Ubuntu you are running.
Using the ‘uname’ Command
If you only need to know the kernel version of your Ubuntu system, you can use the `uname` command. This command displays the kernel version, which is often used to determine the Ubuntu version. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the terminal.
2. Type `uname -r` and press `Enter`.
3. The output will be the kernel version, which can help you identify the Ubuntu version.
Conclusion
Checking your Ubuntu version using the terminal is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with just a few commands. Whether you are troubleshooting, updating your system, or simply curious about your distribution, knowing your Ubuntu version is an essential piece of information. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily check your Ubuntu version and stay informed about your system’s capabilities.
