Geek Speak - Finding your Linux Version

Ever wonder what version of Linux is installed on your desktop. Here is how to find out:

At command line, type the following

~$ cat /etc/issue

In my case I get the following result:

Ubuntu 8.04.2 \n \l

Hence, my desktop is running Ubuntu 8.04.02

Alternatively you can also type the following:

~$ cat /etc/lsb-release

DISTRIB_ID=Ubuntu
DISTRIB_RELEASE=8.04
DISTRIB_CODENAME=hardy
DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu 8.04.2"

In case if you are running one of Debian releases, you can find out the Debian version on your system by typing:

~$ cat /etc/debian_release

lenny/sid

To find out the Linux kernel on your system, type the following:

~$ uname -r

2.6.24-23-generic

So now you can track the version of your Linux even during automatic upgrades.