Knowing the version of your Ubuntu Linux distribution can be helpful in various situations, such as troubleshooting issues, installing compatible software, or seeking support. In this guide, we will explore different methods to find the Ubuntu version you are currently using.

Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is a convenient way to obtain information about the Linux Standard Base (LSB) and the distribution-specific information, including the Ubuntu version.

1. Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   lsb_release -a

The output of the command will display various details about your Ubuntu system, including the release number, codename, and description.

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

Another way to find the Ubuntu version is by inspecting the /etc/lsb-release file, which contains information about the distribution.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   cat /etc/lsb-release

The content of the file will be displayed, showing details such as the release number, codename, and description.

Method 3: Using the /etc/os-release File

The /etc/os-release file provides information about the operating system, including the Ubuntu version.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   cat /etc/os-release

The output will show the contents of the file, which includes the version number, codename, and other relevant information.

Method 4: Checking the /etc/issue File

The /etc/issue file contains a message or a banner that is displayed before the login prompt. This file can also provide information about the Ubuntu version.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   cat /etc/issue

The output will display the contents of the file, including the Ubuntu version and other details.

Method 5: Using the hostnamectl Command

The hostnamectl command is a powerful tool for querying and changing the system hostname and related settings. It can also provide information about the Ubuntu version.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   hostnamectl

The output will show various system information, including the operating system, version, and kernel.

Command Examples

Command	Description
lsb_release -a	Displays detailed information about the Ubuntu version.
cat /etc/lsb-release	Prints the contents of the /etc/lsb-release file.
cat /etc/os-release	Displays the contents of the /etc/os-release file.
cat /etc/issue	Prints the contents of the /etc/issue file.
hostnamectl	Shows various system information, including the Ubuntu version.

Similar Commands

Here are some other commands that can provide system information:

• uname -a: Displays information about the system and kernel.
• lsb_release -r: Shows only the release number of the Ubuntu version.
• lsb_release -c: Displays only the codename of the Ubuntu version.

Ideas and Scripts

If you want to automate the process of retrieving the Ubuntu version, you can create a shell script that utilizes one of the aforementioned commands. Here’s an example:

#!/bin/bash

# Get Ubuntu version using lsb_release command
version=$(lsb_release -r -s)

echo "Ubuntu version: $version"

This script uses the lsb_release -r -s command to extract the release number and store it in the version variable. It then prints the Ubuntu version to the terminal.

Feel free to modify the script according to your needs, such as redirecting the output to a file or incorporating it into a larger script.

Now that you have learned different methods to find your Ubuntu version, you can easily retrieve this information whenever required. Knowing your Ubuntu version will help you navigate the Linux ecosystem more effectively and ensure compatibility with software and support resources.

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