The uname command in Linux explained
The uname command prints details about the running kernel and system. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
uname [-a]
Examples
uname -r: the kernel versionuname -m: the architecture, such as x86_64
Tip
It is useful when you are choosing the right ISO or driver.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man uname in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for uname?
Run man uname for the full manual, or try uname --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run uname?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise uname on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.