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How to Check Your Ubuntu Version: Essential Commands and Easy GUI Methods

Basics of Ubuntu
目次

1. How to Check Your Ubuntu Version | Simple Steps Using Commands

Why You Should Check Your Ubuntu Version

Confirming your Ubuntu version is crucial for system administration and troubleshooting. Accurate version information is required when applying software that depends on specific versions or when installing security updates. The difference between LTS (Long Term Support) and non-LTS releases greatly affects system stability and support duration.

Differences Between LTS and Non-LTS Versions

  • LTS (Long Term Support): Provides long-term support for 5 years and ensures stable system management. Recommended for servers and long-term usage environments.
  • Non-LTS: Offers early access to new features, but support is short, around 9 months. Suitable for development environments or users who want to experiment with new technologies.

Why Version Information Matters

Checking the version helps determine whether the system is up to date and avoids security risks caused by using outdated versions. It is also essential for verifying kernel and package compatibility. Below are practical methods to check your Ubuntu version.

2. Methods to Check Your Ubuntu Version

There are several ways to check your Ubuntu version using commands. The primary methods are introduced below.

Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is the most common method for checking the Ubuntu version. It displays detailed information about the Linux distribution.

lsb_release -a

Example Output:

Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
Release:        20.04
Codename:       focal

This command outputs the release version (e.g., 20.04.6 LTS) and codename (e.g., focal). You can also use lsb_release -d to display only version-related information.

lsb_release -d

Example Output:

Description:    Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS

Method 2: Checking the /etc/os-release File

The /etc/os-release file contains OS version information. Use the cat command to display its contents and obtain detailed information.

cat /etc/os-release

Example Output:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="20.04.6 LTS (Focal Fossa)"
ID=ubuntu
VERSION_ID="20.04"
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS"

Method 3: Checking the /etc/issue File

Another way is to check the /etc/issue file. This file contains the message displayed at login, including Ubuntu version details.

cat /etc/issue

Example Output:

Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS \n \l

Method 4: Checking Version Information via GUI

You can also check Ubuntu version information without using the command line. In a desktop environment, follow these steps:

  1. Open the system menu at the top-right of the screen.
  2. Select “Settings” > “About This System”.
  3. The system information window will display your Ubuntu version.

This GUI method is beginner-friendly and suitable for users who are unfamiliar with command-line operations.

3. How to Check the Kernel Version

In addition to the OS version, checking the kernel version is also important. The kernel forms the core of the system and significantly affects hardware compatibility and performance.

Using the uname Command

The uname command displays the current kernel version. It differs from the Ubuntu version and has a direct impact on system behavior.

uname -r

Example Output:

5.4.0-42-generic

In this example, the kernel version is “5.4.0-42”. Updating the kernel is crucial for performance and security, so regular checks are recommended.

Checking Detailed Information with uname -a

To see more detailed system information, use the uname -a command. It includes the kernel version, architecture, and other system attributes.

uname -a

Example Output:

Linux hostname 5.4.0-42-generic #45-Ubuntu SMP Fri Jul 10 22:47:44 UTC 2020 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

4. Troubleshooting and Advanced Tips

If Version Information Is Not Displayed

If the lsb_release command does not work or outputs incomplete information, the lsb-release package might not be installed. Install it using the following command:

sudo apt-get install lsb-release

After installation, try running the lsb_release command again.

How to Upgrade Your Ubuntu Version

If you determine that an upgrade is needed, use the commands below:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo do-release-upgrade

These commands allow you to upgrade to the latest LTS or non-LTS release. Be sure to back up your data before upgrading.

5. Summary and Next Steps

Checking your Ubuntu version is an essential task for system management. Using the lsb_release command and other methods, you can quickly identify your system version. By confirming both the OS and kernel versions, you can accurately assess the system state and minimize security risks.

As a next step, explore system updates and package management to further enhance your administration skills.

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