How to check Debian version: the quick and easy way
Debian, along with Ubuntu, is one of the most common distributions used by Linux users. Professional users enjoy the first version developed in 1993, as it is the most flexible and based on open source software. If you install one of the free programs, knowing which Debian version you have will help you download the right package. You also need to know your current version if you ask questions in one of the forums. But how can you check your Debian version?
How to check Debian version: Terminal
One way to check your Debian version is by using Terminal, also called Command Line. There are several commands you can input to display your current version. First things first though: open Terminal. One option is to simultaneously press [Alt], the Function key and [F2], then type “gnome-terminal” into the dialog box. You can also select Terminal directly from the Start menu. Once you get to the Command Line, you can check your Debian version using the following commands.
Gnome is one of the most popular desktop environments on Debian. If you have a different program and therefore different software for the Command Line, you must choose the relevant route to be able to get to Terminal.
cat command
One of the commands you can use in Terminal to check your Debian version is:
cat /etc/debian_versionYour version will be shown on the next line.
lsb_release command
“lsb_release” is another command you can use to check your Debian version. You can get detailed information about all base versions in your distribution by typing “lsb_release -a”, or a simple overview including versions by typing “lsb_release -d”.
How to check Debian version: GUI
If you don’t want to use the Terminal, you can also check your Debian version using a graphical interface. To do this, you need to install the program Hardinfo, if you don’t already have it in your system. You can install it using the following code in Terminal:
apt-get install hardinfoWhen you launch the program, you can see your current Debian version in “Operating system” under “Computer”.
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