Checking your Linux Kernel Version: Once your up and running with your favorite Linux distribution, you might find the need to install additional software packages or drivers. Some of these software applications or drivers can be specific to a Linux Kernel in which case you will need to find this information. Finding the Kernel Version, Release information and Operating System from a running system is fairly straight forward and can be done directly from a terminal.
Locating your Linux Kernel Version
Open up a terminal and type one of the following commands listed in bold text.
uname -a (prints all information)
uname -r (prints the kernel release)
uname -v (prints the kernel version)
uname -o (prints the operating system)