Efficient Methods to Identify and Verify the Operating System in Linux_1

How to Check Operating System in Linux

In the world of computing, knowing the operating system (OS) that your Linux system is running is crucial for various reasons. Whether you are a system administrator, developer, or just a curious user, understanding the OS can help you manage, troubleshoot, or even customize your system. This article will guide you through the process of checking the operating system in Linux, providing you with multiple methods to accomplish this task.

Method 1: Using the lsb_release Command

One of the most straightforward ways to check the operating system in Linux is by using the `lsb_release` command. This command is designed to provide detailed information about the Linux distribution, including the release number, codename, and distribution ID. To use this command, simply open your terminal and type:

“`
lsb_release -a
“`

This will display a comprehensive list of information about your Linux distribution. For example, on a Ubuntu system, you might see something like this:

“`
Description: Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS
Release: 20.04
Codename: focal
ID: ubuntu
ID_LIKE: ubuntu
PRETTY_NAME: “Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS”
VERSION_ID: “20.04”
HOME_URL: “”
SUPPORT_URL: “”
BUG_REPORT_URL: “”
PRIVACY_POLICY_URL: “data-privacy”
VERSION: “20.04.4”
CODENAME: focal
UBUNTU_CODENAME: focal
“`

Method 2: Using the hostnamectl Command

Another method to check the operating system in Linux is by using the `hostnamectl` command. This command is part of the systemd package and provides information about the system’s hostname, IP address, and operating system. To use this command, open your terminal and type:

“`
hostnamectl
“`

This will display a brief summary of your system’s information, including the operating system. For example:

“`
Static hostname: mylinuxsystem
Icon name: computer-vm
Chassis: vm
Machine ID: 1234567890abcdef
Boot ID: 12345678-9abcdef-1234-5678-9abcdef123456
Virtualization: vmware
Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS
CPE OS Name: cpe:/o:ubuntu:ubuntu:20.04
“`

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

Linux systems store a variety of information about the system in the `/etc` directory. One of these files is `/etc/os-release`, which contains metadata about the operating system. To view the contents of this file, open your terminal and type:

“`
cat /etc/os-release
“`

This will display a list of key-value pairs, including the OS name, version, and ID. For example:

“`
NAME=”Ubuntu”
VERSION=”20.04.4 LTS (Focal Fossa)”
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME=”Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS”
VERSION_ID=”20.04″
HOME_URL=””
SUPPORT_URL=””
BUG_REPORT_URL=””
PRIVACY_POLICY_URL=”data-privacy”
VERSION_CODENAME=focal
UBUNTU_CODENAME=focal
“`

Conclusion

Checking the operating system in Linux is an essential task for users and administrators alike. By using the `lsb_release`, `hostnamectl`, and `/etc/os-release` methods, you can quickly and easily determine the OS running on your Linux system. These methods provide a wealth of information, allowing you to make informed decisions about managing, troubleshooting, or customizing your system.