Determining Kernel, Machine, and OS Type

To find out what version of the Linux kernel you are running, use the uname command.

uname -a

Running uname -a prints all the pertinent information with output similar to:

Linux computer 3.16.0-4-686-pae #1 SMP Debian 3.16.7-ckt20-1+deb8u3 (2016-01-17) i686 GNU/Linux

What does all this information mean?

Distribution-Specific Information

For information specific to your Linux distribution, use the command:

lsb_release -a

Output resembles the following:

Distributor ID: Debian Description: Debian GNU/Linux 8.3 (jessie) Release: 8.3 Codename: jessie

  • See our uname command page for more help and examples.
  • See our Linux definition for further help and information.
  • Linux help and support.