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-   -   How do I identify what version release of Linux I have installed? (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-newbie-8/how-do-i-identify-what-version-release-of-linux-i-have-installed-690373/)

ddclutch 12-13-2008 03:28 PM

How do I identify what version release of Linux I have installed?
 
From an operating system, how do I identify the release number of the Linux version I am running? 2-6-2X-XX ?

It seems too basic a question for anyone else to have dared ask!!

colucix 12-13-2008 03:31 PM

To obtain the kernel version actually running:
Code:

uname -a
To get the release of the Linux OS
Code:

lsb_release -a
or eventually check for files called release or version under the /etc/directory:
Code:

ls /etc/*release* /etc/*version*
on OpenSuSE I have
Code:

$ cat /etc/SuSE-release
openSUSE 10.3 (i586)
VERSION = 10.3


repo 12-13-2008 03:31 PM

uname -a

ddclutch 12-13-2008 03:41 PM

Thanks both, that was quick!

uname -a returned:
2.6.16.54-0.2.5,
followed by an installation date last March (new netbook just 3 weeks old!)

vibinlakshman 12-13-2008 06:32 PM

One more
 
cat /etc/issue
Will fetch u except distribution name

colucix 12-14-2008 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddclutch (Post 3374454)
followed by an installation date last March (new netbook just 3 weeks old!)

It is not an installation date, it is part of the kernel version and stats for the release date.

ddclutch 12-14-2008 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colucix (Post 3374872)
It is not an installation date, it is part of the kernel version and stats for the release date.

Thanks, that makes more sense.

I am a bit puzzled by the version number of
2.6.16.54-0.2.5

when other references I have found seem to say that current linux versions are around 2.6.24 or 2.6.25.
My numbering format seems different, or perhaps based on a much earlier release (2.6.16)?

colucix 12-14-2008 04:43 AM

The latest stable kernel version is 2.6.27. Indeed you're running a bit older version 2.6.16. Regarding the other numbers in your kernel version, take in mind the the first four are the actual version (kernel version 2, major release 6, minor release 16, bux fix and security patches 54). The other numbers are introduced by the developer of your Linux OS (SuSE) and I guess they serve for internal reference.

For example on my OpenSuSE 10.3 I have:
Code:

$ uname -r
2.6.22.9-0.4-default

from which I simply state that my running kernel is 2.6.22 or even 2.6.22.9.


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