Check Ubuntu version in Linux

The procedure to find os name and version on Ubuntu Linux:

1. Open the terminal application (bash shell) by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T
2. For remote server login using the ssh: ssh user@server-name
3. Type any one of the following command to find os name and version in Ubuntu:
   cat /etc/os-release
   lsb_release -a
   hostnamectl
4. Type the following command to find Ubuntu Linux kernel version:
   uname -r

Let us see all examples in detailed to check your version.

Ubuntu Show Version Number using /etc/os-release file

Type the following cat command:
$ cat /etc/os-release
Sample outputs:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="18.04.1 LTS (Bionic Beaver)"
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS"
VERSION_ID="18.04"
HOME_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/"
SUPPORT_URL="https://help.ubuntu.com/"
BUG_REPORT_URL="https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/"
PRIVACY_POLICY_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/legal/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy"
VERSION_CODENAME=bionic

Here is another outputs:

NAME="Ubuntu"
VERSION="20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)"
ID=ubuntu
ID_LIKE=debian
PRETTY_NAME="Ubuntu Focal Fossa (development branch)"
VERSION_ID="20.04"
HOME_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/"
SUPPORT_URL="https://help.ubuntu.com/"
BUG_REPORT_URL="https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/"
PRIVACY_POLICY_URL="https://www.ubuntu.com/legal/terms-and-policies/privacy-policy"
VERSION_CODENAME=focal
UBUNTU_CODENAME=focal

Checking your Ubuntu version From the lsb_release terminal command

The lsb_release command gives LSB (Linux Standard Base) and distribution-specific information on the CLI. The syntax is:
$ lsb_release -a
Sample outputs:

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID:	Ubuntu
Description:	Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS
Release:	18.04
Codename:	bionic

How to check Ubuntu version using the hostnamectl command

The hostnamectl command may be used to query and change the system hostname and related settings. It can also display your Linux distribution name and kernel version as well:
$ hostnamectl

Not a fan of the Ubuntu command line? Try GUI

You can see Ubuntu version graphically, i.e. using GUI. Open System Settings by pressing the Super key on your keyboard and type “settings“. Click on Details. You will see version below Ubuntu Logo:

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Conclusion

It is a good idea to check your Ubuntu version so that you can apply patches and update versions for security and performance reasons. Ubuntu release cycle is divided into two groups:

• LTS (Long Term Support) release, which is published every two years in April. For servers and stability reasons, you always need to use LTS.
• Interim release – Every six months Canonical releases a short version of Ubuntu, which is suitable for cutting edge hardware and desktop users.

To upgrade minor version use the apt command or apt-get command. Learn how to upgrade Ubuntu v16.04 to v18.04 LTS or upgrade Ubuntu v18.04 to v20.04 using the CLI.

You learned how to check your current Ubuntu version through the command-line and GUI. For more info see this page here.