5 Easy Ways To Check Your Ubuntu Version

Ever wanted to know which model of Linux you’re working with? Whether or not you’re troubleshooting a difficulty, making certain compatibility with particular software program, or planning a {hardware} improve, understanding your working system’s model may be essential. That is very true for Ubuntu customers, however these strategies can work for many Linux distributions.

This info can assist you troubleshoot points, keep away from compatibility issues, and plan {hardware} upgrades. It will possibly even allow you to keep good safety.

In different phrases, checking your Linux model is necessary when the necessity arises. Whether or not you’re making certain you might have the newest replace or determining should you’re working an older model, you’ve come to the suitable place.

On this concise information, we’ll present you learn how to determine your Ubuntu model in minutes.

Let’s get began!

The Totally different Variations Of Ubuntu

Every model of Ubuntu is principally an replace to the working system. New variations come alongside each six months on common, and each launch has its personal code title.

Listed below are some latest examples:

• 24.04 LTS Noble Numbat
• 23.10 Mantic Minotaur
• 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish

In contrast to another desktop operating systems, Ubuntu is obtainable in many alternative flavors, every providing one thing distinctive. 

Nevertheless, these flavors are basically completely different desktop environments wrapped across the similar Ubuntu base system. All of them share the identical Linux kernel and core working system.

This underlying system is what we have to examine to seek out that all-important model quantity.

Why You Would possibly Want To Check Your Ubuntu Version

“Remind me why I need to know my Ubuntu version again?”

We hear you.

There are a number of good causes to search for your model quantity.

Listed below are the highlights:

Checking Software program Compatibility

You won't have the ability to run new software program on older releases, and the identical goes for brand spanking new updates of present apps. A compatibility examine on the Ubuntu model of your machine can assist you keep away from any potential issues.

Safety Updates

New variations of Ubuntu usually search to patch safety weaknesses. In the event you’re fearful a couple of particular vulnerability, you may wish to make sure you’re updated.

Troubleshooting Points

Once you’re making an attempt to resolve issues in your machine, it actually helps to know your Ubuntu model quantity. Some issues are particular to sure releases, so virtually each tech assist particular person asks for this info.

Planning for Upgrades

In the event you plan to replace your system, ensure you examine whether or not your machine can truly deal with the replace. There’s a risk that older units could not meet the technical necessities for the newest Ubuntu variations.

By the identical token, you may must replace Ubuntu to harness newer {hardware} upgrades.

How To Discover Out Which Version Of Ubuntu You’re Utilizing

Sufficient with the idea. You’re in all probability itching to get that model quantity by now.

Listed below are the very best strategies to examine your Ubuntu model through the command line and (graphical person interface) GUI — ranked from straightforward peasy to barely extra technical.

Methodology 1: Check Your Version By way of The GUI Settings 

Essentially the most user-friendly approach to examine your Ubuntu model is thru the GUI:

1. Within the Launcher, click on the little Settings gear icon
2. On the left-hand facet, you will notice a great deal of choices. Hit the one labeled Particulars
3. After you click on, a brand new window ought to open
4. On this window, scroll down till you see the About part, the place you must discover your Ubuntu model quantity

This route is ideal should you’re not assured with scripting and the Linux command line.

That mentioned, you may get the job performed somewhat sooner through the Terminal.

Methodology 2: The lsb_release -a Command 

One approach to make use of the command line is thru the lsb_release command. This prints out helpful details about the Linux kernel model and Linux distribution you’re utilizing — on this case, Ubuntu.

Right here’s learn how to use it:

1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
2. Sort within the following command: lsb_release -a
3. Hit Enter
4. The output ought to embody the model quantity labeled as Launch

Methodology 3: The cat /and so forth/os-release Command 

Quite than asking the Linux command line to your model quantity, you may merely question the information that maintain this info.

1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
2. Sort within the following command: cat /and so forth/os-release
3. Hit Enter
4. Terminal ought to output the contents of the os-release file
5. You’ll discover the important thing information underneath the DISTRIB_RELEASE and DISTRIB_CODENAME variables

Methodology 4: Check Your /and so forth/situation File

One other place the place info is saved is the /and so forth/situation file. We are able to name on this doc utilizing a easy command and get solely the Ubuntu model as a response.

1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
2. Sort within the following command: cat /and so forth/situation
3. Hit Enter
4. You must see a single line of textual content, itemizing your model quantity

Methodology 5: Use The hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command is designed that can assist you change your system’s hostname. (That’s the id of your machine when it’s linked to a community.)

However we’re not concerned with that as we speak. 

As a substitute, we’re going to make use of the command to disclose some key details about your system, together with the all-important Ubuntu model quantity.

1. Launch Terminal utilizing Ctrl+Alt+T
2. Sort within the following command: hostnamectl
3. Hit Enter
4. You must see a number of traces of knowledge, together with your Working System and Kernel variations

(*5*)

Ubuntu Version FAQs

Bought extra questions? Beneath are a number of of the commonest ones relating to Ubuntu releases:

How usually ought to I examine my Ubuntu model?

You don’t must examine your Ubuntu model until you’re updating to the subsequent model, upgrading your setup, or making an attempt to troubleshoot issues.

How can I improve my Ubuntu model?

You possibly can improve through the Software program Updater utility or by selecting the improve possibility when Ubuntu notifies you a couple of new model.

What’s the distinction between LTS and non-LTS Ubuntu variations?

You might discover that some Ubuntu model codes embody the acronym LTS. This stands for long-term assist.

LTS variations of Ubuntu are launched each two years and are supported for 5 years from their launch date.

In distinction, non-LTS variations are launched each six months. They solely include 9 months of assured assist.

If you need a secure atmosphere for getting issues performed, LTS may be the best way to go.

Nevertheless, you received’t get the newest and most experimental options that seem in different variations.

Does checking my Ubuntu model require sudo privileges?

Nope. You should utilize the lsb_release, /and so forth/os-release, and GUI strategies talked about above with out sudo entry.

What are the Ubuntu launch naming conventions?

Every new model of Ubuntu is given a reputation to make it simpler to reference. These names observe a easy format: adjective animal. For instance, the subsequent launch will likely be Oracular Oriole (24.10).

The primary letter of each phrases is normally the identical, and every new model strikes to the subsequent letter within the alphabet. The animals and adjectives can generally be a bit obscure, however these codenames are undoubtedly memorable.

Along with the names, Ubuntu variations even have a numbering system that follows the format YY.MM, the place YY represents the 12 months and MM represents the month of the discharge. As an illustration, Ubuntu 24.10 signifies a launch in October 2024. This numbering system helps customers rapidly determine how previous a selected launch is. The “minor” model will all the time be both .04 or .10 to signify the months during which new releases are put out into the wild.

Collectively, the codename and model quantity present a simple approach to determine and reference particular Ubuntu releases.

Staying as much as Date

As you’ve seen, discovering out which model of Ubuntu is in your laptop isn’t that arduous.

You simply must know the place to look, or which instructions to make use of. To recap, the important thing strategies are:

1. Check in your Settings through GUI
2. Use the lsb_release -a command
3. Enter the cat /and so forth/os-release command
4. Ask for cat /and so forth/situation in Terminal
5. Make use of the hostnamectl command

Save this web page for future reference, and also you’ll by no means run into the identical drawback once more!

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