Linux Distribution Information Command

If you want distribution information, it will vary depending on your distribution and whether your system supports the Linux Standard Base. Some ways to check, and some example output, are immediately below.

$ lsb_release -a
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: Ubuntu
Description:    Ubuntu Saucy Salamander (development branch)
Release:    13.10
Codename:   saucy

$ cat /etc/lsb-release 
DISTRIB_ID=Ubuntu
DISTRIB_RELEASE=13.10
DISTRIB_CODENAME=saucy
DISTRIB_DESCRIPTION="Ubuntu Saucy Salamander (development branch)"

$ cat /etc/issue.net
Ubuntu Saucy Salamander (development branch)

$ cat /etc/debian_version 
wheezy/sid

References:

http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/88644/how-to-check-os-and-version-using-a-linux-command