How to Identify Your Linux Distro: Ubuntu Flavors and Beyond

As a user of the Linux operating system, understanding the specific distribution you're running can be incredibly useful. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, knowing your distro can provide insights into features, support, and community. In this article, we'll explore various methods to identify your Linux distribution, focusing on the popular Ubuntu and its derivatives.

Using lsb_release -a to Identify Your Distro

One of the simplest ways to identify your distribution is by using the lsb_release -a command in your Linux terminal. This command is part of the Linux Standard Base (LSB) and displays information about the distribution.

No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: tUbuntu
Description:    tUbuntu 18.04.5 LTS
Release:    18.04
Codename:   tbionic

In the above output, you can see important details such as the distribution name (tUbuntu), version (18.04.5 LTS), and release codename (tbionic).

Checking with uname -a and dmesg

Another useful command for identifying your distribution is uname -a. This command shows system information, including the distribution name and version. However, for more detailed information, particularly the variant, you might want to check the dmesg output which is printed when the system boots up.

Right at the top/start of the dmesg output it should show you what variant you are running.

Identifying Xubuntu

If you're running a lightweight and user-friendly variant of Ubuntu, such as Xubuntu, you can easily identify it using the following commands:

cat /etc/issue

The output might indicate something like:

XubuntuXfce-XUbuntu

Xubuntu is based on Ubuntu and includes the Xfce desktop environment, which is known for its lightweight and customizable nature. It's particularly popular among users who prefer a lighter desktop experience without sacrificing functionality.

Specific Ubuntu Variants: CS50 Appliance

CS50 is a popular introductory course for learning about computer science, and its dedicated appliance running Ubuntu 14.04 with Xfce is a great example of a specialized distribution. Here are the key points about the CS50 Appliance:

Designed for students of Harvard University Based on Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty Tahr) Included the Xfce desktop environment Additional customizations tailored for the course Available for download from http://cs50.harvard.edu Can also be taken via Edx

The CS50 Appliance is a great choice for beginner Linux users, providing a hands-on learning environment with everything pre-configured for ease of use.

Additional Methods to Identify Your Distro

Here are some additional ways to identify your Linux distribution:

Using cat /etc/release

If you own the laptop, you can use the following command:

cat /etc/release

Requesting Information from Someone with the Screenshot

If you have a screenshot from someone else, you can ask them about their distribution.

Searching Online for Additional Information

If you find a screenshot online, you can use search engines like Google to find more information about the distribution.