Command to Check Linux Kernel Version: Find Out Your System’s Kernel Version Now!
Are you curious about the version of the Linux kernel running on your system? Knowing the Linux kernel version is essential for various reasons, such as troubleshooting compatibility issues, determining the need for updates or patches, and understanding the capabilities of your system. In this article, we will explore various methods to check the Linux kernel version using different commands and techniques. Whether you are a Linux enthusiast or a system administrator, this article will provide you with the knowledge you need to find out your system’s kernel version.
Introduction
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system. It is responsible for managing system resources, providing device drivers, and facilitating communication between software and hardware. The kernel version represents the specific release of the Linux kernel and includes important information about its features, bug fixes, and security updates.
Knowing the Linux kernel version is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you determine the compatibility of software and hardware with your system. Different kernel versions may have varying levels of support for certain devices or features. By knowing your kernel version, you can ensure that the software you install or the hardware you connect is compatible with your system.
Secondly, the kernel version provides valuable information about the security of your system. Kernel updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect your system from potential threats. By regularly checking your kernel version, you can ensure that you are running the latest security updates and take necessary actions if you find that your kernel version is outdated.
Lastly, understanding the Linux kernel version can help you troubleshoot issues and seek support from the Linux community. When encountering problems or seeking assistance, providing your kernel version can help others understand the context of your issue and provide more accurate solutions or guidance.
Methods to check the Linux kernel version
1. Using the “uname -r” command
The “uname” command is a commonly used utility in Linux to retrieve system information. By using the “-r” option with the “uname” command, you can specifically retrieve the kernel release version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
uname -r
This command will display the kernel release version in the output. For example, if your kernel release version is 5.4.0-81-generic, the command will return “5.4.0-81-generic”.
This method is simple and provides a quick way to check the kernel version. However, it only displays the kernel release version and does not provide additional details about the kernel.
2. Using the “uname -a” command
The “uname” command can also be used with the “-a” option to display detailed information about the system, including the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
uname -a
This command will display a comprehensive output that includes the kernel version, architecture, hostname, and other system information. The kernel version will be listed as part of the output. For example, the output may include “Linux example-host 5.4.0-81-generic #91-Ubuntu SMP…”.
Using the “uname -a” command provides more detailed information about the system, including the kernel version. It can be useful when you need to gather comprehensive system information.
3. Using the “cat /proc/version” command
The “/proc/version” file contains information about the Linux kernel version. You can use the “cat” command to display the contents of this file and retrieve the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
cat /proc/version
This command will display the contents of the “/proc/version” file, which includes the kernel version. The output will include information such as the kernel version, build date, and compiler version. For example, the output may include “Linux version 5.4.0-81-generic (buildd@lgw01-amd64-036) (gcc version 9.3.0 (Ubuntu 9.3.0-17ubuntu1~20.04))…”.
Using the “cat /proc/version” command provides detailed information about the kernel version, including additional details such as the build date and compiler version.
4. Using the “cat /proc/sys/kernel/osrelease” command
The “/proc/sys/kernel/osrelease” file contains the release version of the Linux kernel. You can use the “cat” command to display the contents of this file and retrieve the kernel release version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
cat /proc/sys/kernel/osrelease
This command will display the kernel release version as the output. For example, the output may include “5.4.0-81-generic”.
Using the “cat /proc/sys/kernel/osrelease” command provides a straightforward way to check the kernel release version without any additional information.
5. Using the “cat /proc/sys/kernel/version” command
The “/proc/sys/kernel/version” file contains the version of the Linux kernel. You can use the “cat” command to display the contents of this file and retrieve the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
cat /proc/sys/kernel/version
This command will display the kernel version as the output. For example, the output may include “Linux version #91-Ubuntu SMP…”.
Using the “cat /proc/sys/kernel/version” command provides a simple way to check the kernel version without any additional details.
6. Using the “cat /proc/version_signature” command
The “/proc/version_signature” file contains the signature of the Linux kernel version. You can use the “cat” command to display the contents of this file and retrieve the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
cat /proc/version_signature
This command will display the kernel version signature as the output. For example, the output may include “Ubuntu 5.4.0-81.91-generic 5.4.124”.
Using the “cat /proc/version_signature” command provides the kernel version signature, which includes information about the distribution and specific kernel version.
7. Using the “dmesg | grep “Linux version”” command
The “dmesg” command displays the kernel ring buffer, which contains various system messages, including the Linux kernel version. By piping the output of the “dmesg” command to the “grep” command with the “Linux version” keyword, you can filter the output to display only the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
dmesg | grep "Linux version"
This command will display the kernel version as part of the output. For example, the output may include “Linux version 5.4.0-81-generic (buildd@lgw01-amd64-036) (gcc version 9.3.0 (Ubuntu 9.3.0-17ubuntu1~20.04))…”.
Using the “dmesg | grep “Linux version”” command allows you to filter the kernel version from the system messages displayed by the “dmesg” command.
8. Using the “lsb_release -a” command
The “lsb_release” command provides information about the Linux Standard Base (LSB) and the distribution-specific information. By using the “-a” option with the “lsb_release” command, you can display all available information, including the distributor ID, description, release, and codename. Open your terminal and type the following command:
lsb_release -a
This command will display detailed information about the Linux distribution, including the release version. The output may include information such as “Description: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS” and “Release: 20.04”.
Using the “lsb_release -a” command provides comprehensive information about the Linux distribution, including the release version.
9. Using the “hostnamectl” command
The “hostnamectl” command is used to query and change the system hostname and related settings. By running the “hostnamectl” command without any options, you can display detailed information about the system, including the operating system, kernel version, and architecture. Open your terminal and type the following command:
hostnamectl
This command will display a comprehensive output that includes the kernel version. The output may include information such as “Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS” and “Kernel: Linux 5.4.0-81-generic”.
Using the “hostnamectl” command provides detailed information about the system, including the kernel version.
10. Using the “systemd-analyze” command
The “systemd-analyze” command is used to analyze and display system boot-up performance. By using the “blame” option with the “systemd-analyze” command, you can display a list of processes and their respective boot-up times. Open your terminal and type the following command:
systemd-analyze blame
This command will display a list of processes and their boot-up times. The output may include information such as “kernel: 5.4.0-81-generic” and the time it took for the kernel to boot.
Using the “systemd-analyze blame” command allows you to identify the boot-up time of the kernel and other processes.
11. Using the “rpm -qf /boot/vmlinuz-*” command
If you are using a Linux distribution that uses the RPM package manager, such as Fedora or CentOS, you can use the “rpm” command to query the package that provides the kernel. By using the “-qf” option with the “rpm” command and specifying the path to the kernel image file, you can retrieve the package name and version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
rpm -qf /boot/vmlinuz-*
This command will display the package name and version as the output. For example, the output may include “kernel-5.4.0-81.el8.x86_64”.
Using the “rpm -qf /boot/vmlinuz-*” command allows you to retrieve the package name and version of the kernel using the RPM package manager.
12. Using the “dpkg -l | grep linux-image” command
If you are using a Debian-based Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu or Debian itself, you can use the “dpkg” command to query the installed packages. By using the “-l” option with the “dpkg” command and piping the output to the “grep” command with the “linux-image” keyword, you can filter the output to display only the installed kernel packages. Open your terminal and type the following command:
dpkg -l | grep linux-image
This command will display a list of installed kernel packages. The output may include information such as “ii linux-image-5.4.0-81-generic 5.4.0-81.91 amd64 Signed kernel image generic”.
Using the “dpkg -l | grep linux-image” command allows you to filter the installed kernel packages and retrieve their versions using the dpkg package manager.
13. Using the “ls /lib/modules/” command
The “/lib/modules/” directory contains the kernel modules installed on your system. By using the “ls” command with the “/lib/modules/” directory, you can list the available kernel modules and retrieve the kernel version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
ls /lib/modules/
This command will display a list of directories, each representing a specific kernel version. The directory names correspond to the kernel version. For example, the output may include “5.4.0-81-generic”.
Using the “ls /lib/modules/” command allows you to list the available kernel modules and identify the kernel version based on the directory names.
14. Using the “file /boot/vmlinuz-*” command
The “/boot/vmlinuz-*” file represents the kernel image file on your system. By using the “file” command with the “/boot/vmlinuz-*” file, you can retrieve information about the kernel image file, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /boot/vmlinuz-*
This command will display information about the kernel image file, including the version. The output may include information such as “Linux kernel x86 boot executable bzImage, version 5.4.0-81-generic…”.
Using the “file /boot/vmlinuz-*” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel image file, including the version.
15. Using the “file /usr/src/linux” command
The “/usr/src/linux” directory contains the source code of the Linux kernel installed on your system. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux” directory, you can retrieve information about the kernel source code, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux
This command will display information about the kernel source code, including the version. The output may include information such as “directory, symbolic link to linux-headers-5.4.0-81-generic”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel source code, including the version.
16. Using the “file /proc/kallsyms” command
The “/proc/kallsyms” file contains the kernel symbol table, which includes information about the functions and variables in the kernel. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/kallsyms” file, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol table, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/kallsyms
This command will display information about the kernel symbol table, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /proc/kallsyms” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol table, including the version.
17. Using the “file /proc/ksyms” command
The “/proc/ksyms” file contains the kernel symbol table, similar to the “/proc/kallsyms” file. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/ksyms” file, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol table, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/ksyms
This command will display information about the kernel symbol table, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /proc/ksyms” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol table, including the version.
18. Using the “file /proc/ksyms.gz” command
The “/proc/ksyms.gz” file contains the compressed kernel symbol table. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/ksyms.gz” file, you can retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/ksyms.gz
This command will display information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version. The output may include information such as “gzip compressed data, from Unix, last modified: …”.
Using the “file /proc/ksyms.gz” command allows you to retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version.
19. Using the “file /proc/kallsyms.gz” command
The “/proc/kallsyms.gz” file contains the compressed kernel symbol table, similar to the “/proc/ksyms.gz” file. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/kallsyms.gz” file, you can retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/kallsyms.gz
This command will display information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version. The output may include information such as “gzip compressed data, from Unix, last modified: …”.
Using the “file /proc/kallsyms.gz” command allows you to retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol table, including the version.
20. Using the “file /proc/kallsyms-*” command
The “/proc/kallsyms-*” files represent the kernel symbol table for specific kernel modules. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/kallsyms-*” files, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/kallsyms-*
This command will display information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /proc/kallsyms-*” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version.
21. Using the “file /proc/ksyms-*” command
The “/proc/ksyms-*” files represent the kernel symbol table for specific kernel modules, similar to the “/proc/kallsyms-*” files. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/ksyms-*” files, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/ksyms-*
This command will display information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /proc/ksyms-*” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version.
22. Using the “file /proc/kallsyms-*.gz” command
The “/proc/kallsyms-*.gz” files represent the compressed kernel symbol table for specific kernel modules. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/kallsyms-*.gz” files, you can retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/kallsyms-*.gz
This command will display information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. The output may include information such as “gzip compressed data, from Unix, last modified: …”.
Using the “file /proc/kallsyms-*.gz” command allows you to retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version.
23. Using the “file /proc/ksyms-*.gz” command
The “/proc/ksyms-*.gz” files represent the compressed kernel symbol table for specific kernel modules, similar to the “/proc/kallsyms-*.gz” files. By using the “file” command with the “/proc/ksyms-*.gz” files, you can retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /proc/ksyms-*.gz
This command will display information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version. The output may include information such as “gzip compressed data, from Unix, last modified: …”.
Using the “file /proc/ksyms-*.gz” command allows you to retrieve information about the compressed kernel symbol tables for different modules, including the version.
24. Using the “file /boot/System.map-*” command
The “/boot/System.map-*” files represent the kernel symbol map files on your system. By using the “file” command with the “/boot/System.map-*” files, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /boot/System.map-*
This command will display information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /boot/System.map-*” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version.
25. Using the “file /usr/src/linux/System.map” command
The “/usr/src/linux/System.map” file represents the kernel symbol map file for the currently installed kernel. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux/System.map” file, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol map file, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux/System.map
This command will display information about the kernel symbol map file, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux/System.map” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol map file, including the version.
26. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*” directories contain the header files for the installed kernel. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*” directories, you can retrieve information about the kernel header files, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*
This command will display information about the kernel header files, including the version. The output may include information such as “directory”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel header files, including the version.
27. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/System.map” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/System.map” files represent the kernel symbol map files for the installed kernel header files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/System.map” files, you can retrieve information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/System.map
This command will display information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version. The output may include information such as “ASCII text, with very long lines, with no line terminators”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/System.map” command allows you to retrieve information about the kernel symbol map files, including the version.
28. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files contain the release version of the installed kernel header files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files, you can retrieve information about the release version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release
This command will display the release version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command allows you to retrieve the release version of the installed kernel header files.
29. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files contain the version information for the installed kernel header files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files, you can retrieve information about the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h
This command will display information about the version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the version of the installed kernel header files.
30. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” files contain the configuration information for the installed kernel header files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” files, you can retrieve information about the configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf
This command will display information about the configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” command allows you to retrieve information about the configuration of the installed kernel header files.
31. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files contain the auto-generated configuration information for the installed kernel header files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files, you can retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h
This command will display information about the auto-generated configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration of the installed kernel header files.
32. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files contain the version information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files, you can retrieve information about the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h
This command will display information about the version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the version of the installed kernel header files.
33. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files contain the auto-generated configuration information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files, you can retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h
This command will display information about the auto-generated configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration of the installed kernel header files.
34. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files contain the release version of the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files, you can retrieve information about the release version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release
This command will display the release version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command allows you to retrieve the release version of the installed kernel header files.
35. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files contain the version information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files, you can retrieve information about the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h
This command will display information about the version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the version of the installed kernel header files.
36. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” files contain the configuration information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” files, you can retrieve information about the configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf
This command will display information about the configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/auto.conf” command allows you to retrieve information about the configuration of the installed kernel header files.
37. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files contain the auto-generated configuration information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files, you can retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h
This command will display information about the auto-generated configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration of the installed kernel header files.
38. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files contain the version information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” files, you can retrieve information about the version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h
This command will display information about the version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/uapi/linux/version.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the version of the installed kernel header files.
39. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files contain the auto-generated configuration information for the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” files, you can retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h
This command will display information about the auto-generated configuration as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/generated/autoconf.h” command allows you to retrieve information about the auto-generated configuration of the installed kernel header files.
40. Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command
The “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files contain the release version of the installed kernel header files, similar to the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files. By using the “file” command with the “/usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” files, you can retrieve information about the release version. Open your terminal and type the following command:
file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release
This command will display the release version as the output. The output may include information such as “ASCII text”.
Using the “file /usr/src/linux-headers-*/include/config/kernel.release” command allows you to retrieve the release version of the installed kernel header files.
Conclusion
Checking the Linux kernel version is essential for various reasons, including compatibility, security, and troubleshooting. In this article, we explored multiple methods to check the Linux kernel version using different commands and techniques. Whether you prefer using simple commands like “uname -r” or exploring detailed files like “/proc/version_signature”, you now have a range of options to find out your system’s kernel version. By knowing your Linux kernel version, you can ensure compatibility, stay up to date with security patches, and seek appropriate support when needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use multiple methods to check the Linux kernel version?
Yes, you can use multiple methods to check the Linux kernel version. Each method provides a different approach to retrieve the kernel version, and using multiple methods can help you cross-verify the information and ensure accuracy.
2. Which method is the most reliable for checking the Linux kernel version?
All the methods mentioned in this article are reliable for checking the Linux kernel version. However, some methods may provide more detailed information or additional context about the kernel version. It is recommended to use multiple methods to cross-verify the information and ensure accuracy.
3. How often should I check the Linux kernel version?
It is recommended to check the Linux kernel version periodically, especially when troubleshooting issues, installing new software, or ensuring system security. Regularly checking the kernel version allows you to stay up to date with the latest updates and patches, ensuring the smooth functioning of your system.
