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Determining Which Distribution Is Running on a Host

In this hands-on lab, we will determine the Linux distribution that is running on the lab host. As a System Administrator, it's not uncommon to log into an unfamiliar system to perform troubleshooting and other tasks, and this lab gives us a chance to practice discovering details about the operating system.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Jul 23, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    View the Release Files

    1. We can view the release files by using globbing to pick up every file that contains the word "release" in the /etc/ directory.
    cat /etc/*release*

  2. Challenge

    View the Issue Files

    1. We can view the issue files by using globbing to pick up every file that contains the word "issue" in the /etc/ directory.
    cat /etc/*issue*

  3. Challenge

    Run a Utility to Determine the Linux Distribution

    1. We can use a couple of utilities to determine the distribution. We can either use lsb_release -a, or for systemd-based systems, we can use hostnamectl.
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

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Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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