How to Harness the Power of Open Source – Welcome to the World of Ubuntu

Ubuntu Version Check Guide | How to Check Your Version with Simple Commands

Basics of Ubuntu
佐川 直弘 | Naohiro Sagawa
By 佐川 直弘 | Naohiro Sagawa (運営者)
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目次

1. How to Check Ubuntu Version | Easy Steps Using Commands

Why You Need to Check Your Ubuntu Version

Checking your Ubuntu version is crucial for system management and troubleshooting. To apply software updates or security patches that depend on specific versions, you need accurate version information. In particular, the difference between LTS (Long Term Support) and non-LTS versions significantly impacts system stability and support duration.

Difference Between LTS and Non-LTS Versions

  • LTS (Long Term Support) Version: Provides long-term support for five years, ensuring stable system operation. Recommended for server environments or long-term usage.
  • Non-LTS Version: Offers early access to new features but has a shorter support period of about nine months. Suitable for development purposes or testing new technologies.

Importance of Version Checking

By checking your Ubuntu version, you can determine whether your system is up to date and avoid security risks caused by outdated versions. Additionally, knowing the version is crucial for checking compatibility with kernels and packages. Below, we will introduce specific methods to check your Ubuntu version.

2. How to Check Your Ubuntu Version

There are several ways to check your Ubuntu version using commands. Below, we will introduce the main methods step by step.

Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command

The lsb_release command is the most common method for checking your Ubuntu version. It is used to display distribution details.

lsb_release -a

Example Output:

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

When you run this command, it displays the Ubuntu release version (e.g., 20.04.6 LTS) and codename (e.g., focal). You can also use lsb_release -d to get only the version 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 details. You can use the cat command to check its contents for more 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 to check your version is by viewing the /etc/issue file. This file contains the message displayed during login, which includes Ubuntu version information.

cat /etc/issue

Example Output:

Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS n l

Method 4: Checking the Version via GUI

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

  1. Open the system menu in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to “Settings” > “About This System.”
  3. Your Ubuntu version will be displayed in the system information.

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

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3. How to Check the Kernel Version

In addition to checking your Ubuntu OS version, it is also important to check your kernel version. The kernel is the core part of the system and significantly affects hardware compatibility and performance.

Using the uname Command

You can check the current kernel version using the uname command. Unlike the OS version, the kernel version directly impacts system behavior.

uname -r

Example Output:

5.4.0-42-generic

In this example, the kernel version is “5.4.0-42.” Regularly checking your kernel version is recommended, as kernel updates can significantly impact system performance and security.

Checking Detailed Information with uname -a

If you need more detailed system information, you can use the uname -a command. This command displays the kernel version along with architecture and other details.

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 Usage

If the Version Is Not Displayed Correctly

If the lsb_release command does not work or does not display the correct version, the lsb-release package may not be installed. In that case, install the package using the following command:

sudo apt-get install lsb-release

After installing this package, try running the lsb_release command again.

How to Upgrade Your Ubuntu Version

Once you have checked your current version, you can upgrade your system using the following commands:

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

This process allows you to upgrade to the latest LTS or non-LTS version. Before upgrading, it is strongly recommended to back up your data.

5. Summary and Next Steps

Checking your Ubuntu version is an essential task for system management. By using various methods such as the lsb_release command, you can quickly obtain your system’s version information. Additionally, checking the kernel version allows you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of your system’s status and minimize security risks.

As a next step, learning more about system updates and package management after verifying your version will further improve your system administration skills.

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