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A Complete Guide to Checking Your Ubuntu Version: Command Line and GUI Methods

Have you thought about checking the Ubuntu version that is run by your system? No matter whether you are a Linux pro or just entered the Linux world, you need to know what Ubuntu version you are running to be sure that software is compatible and get the latest software updates. In this extensive guide, we will explain different ways of getting your Ubuntu version, including both command line and graphical user interface (GUI) options.

Look at this short video on how to check Ubuntu version.

Watch this quick video on how to check Ubuntu version.

Understanding Ubuntu: A Comprehensive Overview

Before we start using any method to check the Ubuntu version, let’s first get acquainted with what Ubuntu is and why it is a significant OS among the Linux community.

Ubuntu is an open-source free operation system built on a Linux core. Its widespread use is attributed to the fact that it is easy to use and offers a friendly user interface and security features. Ubuntu is backed by Canonical, a company that provides enterprise-grade support and services for Ubuntu users.

Ubuntu’s global influence is the result of its commitment to making the operating system open and inclusive. This OS is specifically built with common people in mind; thus, it has made Linux an approachable platform for novices. Moreover, Ubuntu has a community of developers and gadget freaks who are dedicated to its better version and provide assistance to posters.

Ubuntu stands out with its stability feature as one of the remarkable advantages it is associated with. The operating system is renowned for its reliability and robustness, which makes it apt for both personal and professional use. The stability of Ubuntu is the result of the rigorous testing and the quality assurance measures used to ensure a seamless and trouble-free user experience of the system.

Ubuntu is also a leader when it comes to security. The operating system is constructed as a more secure system, with regular updates and patches to address vulnerabilities. Ubuntu even comes with a built-in firewall and other security features that can protect user data and fend off unauthorized access.

What Is Ubuntu and Why Is It Important?

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system that is based on the Linux kernel. The operating system has the highest uptime of about 18.04 LTS, which has a polite and modern design. The installation process is accessible, and the customization of the desktop environment via GNOME Tweak Tool is quite easy. Ubuntu, a platform for creative professionals, will also be debuting at the event/Ubuntu Studio will premiere at the Expo, too. It is a powerful piece of software that is designed to run on a large variety of devices. However, there may be some common issues that a regular user may experience, and below is a list of them. Ubuntu is widely used all over the world because of its user-friendly interface, stability, and security features. Ubuntu, a collaborative social networking platform, will also be debuting at the event/Ubuntu Social will premiere at the Expo, too. The machine looks exactly like the Ubuntu pre-installed machine you would buy in the stores. It’s a simple two-step process. Choose the desired flavor; there are a bunch of them, but think of flavors as if they were different Linux distributions. When a new sub-urban development is completed, the next step will be the deployment of a new cultural center and a library along with it. These are to house some educational and cultural programs for the community. novel ITT London, No Time for Dismay for this and The Things That Can’t Be Measured (Poetry) are some of the pieces that Elie Wiesel wrote while he was the teacher at Boston University. The issue gets popped by the customers in their letters which the support members send to the users regarding consumer support. How should the portrait of Paul Robeson be approached – from the semantic perspective. There is a sense of creative freedom that underlies Ubuntu, but at the same time, it is adaptable and in sync with other

The openness of Ubuntu’s source lies in its significance. Of the many kinds of open-source, Ubuntu’s is an example of the core code being made freely available to the public for the review and work through the community. The project has been developing in a productive atmosphere of collaboration with other developers which is why many developers from different parts of the world may join the one who works on Ubuntu and help him to produce the program that corresponds exactly to the customers’ requirements.

The Evolution of Ubuntu: A Brief History

Mark Shuttleworth, a South African entrepreneur, was the person who started up the Ubuntu project and the very first release was then up and running with Ubuntu 4.10 that was made in October 2004. As time proceeded, there was one update after another made to the Ubuntu distribution, New versions were issued to ship with better features, more improved performance, and additional bug fixes.

Ubuntu has been a long journey in which success in innovation and user experience have always been the primary objectives. Unity and GNOME are among the numerous desktops that Ubuntu has realized along the way. The system has also linked itself with new technologies and trends like cloud computing and containerization to keep pace with the constantly changing tech world.

An interesting event of Ubuntu’s growth is the debut of the Ubuntu Software Center that was developed as a one-stop shop for searching, installing, and managing software. It was now simpler for the clients to go through various applications and utilities, which further twofolded the performance of Ubuntu’s operating system.

The actual long-term support releases (LTS) are the second critical stage of the history of Ubuntu. Namely, they allow stable and reliable hardware for the five-year period, making them ideal for businesses and users who prefer a less frequent and conservative updating cycle.

Firstly, Ubuntu’s dedication to making software available to those with accessibility and different kinds of users is noticeable from its own work in this area. Among the product line is the operating system that has been instrumental in gasification for persons in the graphics and multimedia industries such as the Ubuntu Studio and for users who prefer the traditional desktop OS-based Ubuntu MATE.

As Ubuntu maintains its commitment to the user first policy. The OS itself keeps in step with the latest tech advancements: innovations, tech-stack, and security levels, which makes it the optimal choice for technical experts and amateurs alike.

Quick and Easy Ways to Check Your Ubuntu Version

Now that we have a basic understanding of Ubuntu, let’s explore several methods to check your Ubuntu version from the command line.

Ubuntu, a distribution of the Linux kernel, which is an open-source operating system, has become known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. One of the main reasons people settle for this type of OS is that one, regardless of the experience, should know their Ubuntu Version so as they can be able to tell any problems that might occur, install software, and as well as being updated on the latest releases of Ubuntu.

Method 1: Using the Command Line with lsb_release -a

Ubuntu version can be quickly and effortlessly checked by operating the terminal with the lsb_release command. This command provides detailed information and can be used by counting the release number, codename, and other things.

To check your Ubuntu version using this method, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T together. Once the terminal is open, type the following command:

lsb_release -a

After the query is run, you will get all the details of your Ubuntu version at the output. For example, the result of which could be release number (e.g 20.04), codename (e.g Focal Fossa), and other details.

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

Another way to find out what operating system you have is by reading the /etc/lsb-release or /etc/os-release files. With the help of the two files, you can finish this task and at the same time, know the Ubuntu version you are using.

To check your Ubuntu version using this method, open a terminal and type the following command:

cat /etc/lsb-release

The output will display the /etc/lsb-release file’s content of which one is the Ubuntu version information. The config file contains the definition of variables such as DISTRIB_ID, DISTRIB_RELEASE, and DISTRIB_CODENAME thoroughly and all of them are different from each other.

Method 3: Examining the /etc/issue File

The /etc/issue file is the location where it is likely that you will find information about the Ubuntu version of the system running it. You can check the version and follow this guide by opening a terminal and entering the following command:

cat /etc/issue

The operating system returns information on the exact version of Ubuntu, such as the data type, with this command. Apart from a system hostname and kernel version, this file may initially contain more information as well.

Method 4: Utilizing the hostnamectl Command

The way to determine your version of Ubuntu is to use the hostnamectl command which is another convenient tool. This command gathers and shows system data, comprising the Ubuntu release version.

Required as the case may be, but not only for it, the command hostnamectl is carried out in a terminal. Type the following command:

hostnamectl

Under the “Operating System” section, the Ubuntu version information appears in the output. It’s the device the inherited information about the kernel and the form it has and also the details about the processor, so besides, it has almost all necessary things to give you a complete general view of your system.

Checking Your Ubuntu Version Made Simple: GUI Settings

Figure out your version by clicking on the ‘About’ tab in the system settings for this purpose.

The knowledge of which version of Ubuntu your system is running can be got for different purposes. It is important because it aids in taking necessary precaution policies like updating operating systems regularly, thereby getting the latest updates and security patches, avoiding compatibility stales between software and hardware, and finally making one’s mind to perform themselves with maintenance. The thing concerning this issue is that it should consist of the installing and regular updating of the operating system, the second one deals with the latest updates and the fixing of the bugs, while the last one should be spent on the specific issue of troubleshooting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Ubuntu Version in the GUI

  • The easiest way to use the setting is to click the ”Settings” icon on the dot dash (aka the launcher) or else use the “Super” key (Windows key) to look up the word ”Settings”.
  • Go to the “Details” section in the “Settings” window and double-click (or single-click the Details option).
  • Under the “Details” window, the Ubuntu version is displayed under the “About” topic.

But, to take the information even further and help you with your progression, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of each step:

Step 1: Opening the Settings Menu

Firstly, you have to switch on the utility settings. Open your System Preferences and you can do this in two ways:

  • Click the “Settings” icon in the launcher: This bar is the bar to the left of the display. The “Settings” icon usually appears as a gear or wrench.
  • Press the “Super” key (Windows key) and search for “Settings”: As a rule, the “Super” key is between the left “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys on the keyboard. The Activities overview is opened by pressing it. The search bar will appear when you press the super key. Click on the search bar and then type “Settings”. The system will find the “Settings” app.

Step 2: Using the Details Option

While you have the “Settings” window opened, you will see the list of sections which are available at the left side. Find and then double-click on the “Details” option. To this section, you can find all the information you need about the system like, e.g. the Ubuntu version.

Step 3: Ubuntu Version is Form the Locator

After pressing the “Details” option from step 2, a new window will be opened that is going to display all the detailed information about your system. Start by scrolling all the way to the end until you find the “About” section where the Ubuntu version is located. You can read it. It is usually a text with a set of numbers and a codename, for instance, “Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)”.

Following these simple steps, you are able to find the Ubuntu version on your system within a few seconds without utilizing the command line. Make sure you check for updates from time to time because otherwise you won’t be able to experience the latest improvements and follow the benefits of the new version.

 Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways on Ubuntu Version Checking

The fact that the Ubuntu version is updated regularly for the system to work properly, to be up-to-date with the updates for the proper working of the computer and to provide the user a smooth experience is crucial checking the Ubuntu version for the system compatibility, update receiving, and the user’s comfortable operation. In this guide, we explained different ways to check on your Ubuntu version i.e. by accessing the command line interface and using the command lsb_release-a, by digging through system configuration files like /etc/lsb-release and /etc/issue, and by using the tools like hostnamectl. The most important thing we did is how we check the Ubuntu version through system settings if a user does not wish to go into Terminal with the commands. Thus, these two methods are our topic. the checking of your Ubuntu version through the terminal and the GUI (Graphical User Interface). By adopting any of the ways of this topic, you can effortlessly detect your Ubuntu version and in the same breath, you can be sure that you have the latest software and security updates with the click of the mouse.

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Updated on August 4, 2024

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