Checking your Linux Kernel Version

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 version 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)

by: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/how-to-find-your-linux-kernel-version/

Removing old kernel

At some point in time, almost every Linux user will have updated their kernel image. After you've used Linux with the new kernel image for a while and your content everything is working properly, you might want to remove the old Linux image or images that still reside on your system and appear as grub boot options. The following process explains how to entirely remove the old Linux image which in turn also unclutters your grub menu.

Removing those old Linux kernel images:
Make a note of your old kernel images from the Grub Menu during boot.

1. Press Alt+F2 and type Synaptic
2. From the Menu select Search and type linux-image in the Search box
3. Locate your old linux-mage from the list for example: linux-image-2.6.xx-xx-xxx
4. Right Click the images you would like to remove, select Mark for Complete Removal and then click apply to remove the old image

Next time you reboot the Grub menu will contain only the current linux-image.
Note: You can also find and remove linux-headers using this simple method.