Use the uname command to reveal kernel, machine and OS bits in seconds. 16.11.2025 | reading time: 2 min On a Linux shell the `uname` command is the fastest way to see kernel and machine basics; run it to answer questions like "Which kernel version is running?" or "Is this an x86_64 host?" Try it and use the result directly in scripts. Hands-on: uname in action Example session showing common invocations and output: ```bash $ uname -a Linux example-host 5.15.0-91-generic #98-Ubuntu SMP Tue Jun 10 17:23:06 UTC 2025 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux $ uname -r 5.15.0-91-generic $ uname -m x86_64 ```Observe: `-a` prints everything, `-r` the release, `-m` the machine hardware name; short, direct, unambiguous. Flags worth knowing Useful switches include `-s` for the kernel name, `-n` for the node name, `-r` for the release, `-v` for the version string, `-m` for machine, and `-a` to combine them; note that `-p` and `-i` may show "unknown" on some kernels, so prefer `-m` for architecture checks and use `arch=$(uname -m)` in scripts to branch behavior. When uname is not enough `uname` reports kernel and hardware identifiers but not the distribution details or package-level versions; for distro identification use `lsb_release -a` or `cat /etc/os-release`, and for richer system info on systemd hosts use `hostnamectl` to see pretty names, chassis and virtualization hints. Small gotchas to remember Output can vary across Unix-like systems and container runtimes, so do not parse `uname -a` blindly in brittle scripts, prefer single-field flags and document expected values; also remember that uname reflects the running kernel, not the distribution packages. Next steps Master `uname` as a quick diagnostic, then combine it with other inspection tools to build reliable scripts and troubleshooting routines; if you want a structured learning path, consider intensive exam preparation like CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1 with bitsandbytes.academy to level up from commands to certified skills. Join Bits & Bytes Academy First class LINUX exam preparation. utilities boot-process troubleshooting
