Is there a standard for identifying a particular Linux distribution? I typically use the /etc/issue file to determine what flavor of Linux is on the system. But for security purposes, the information in this file may be altered to hide this information.
I have noticed that some distributions use an /etc/<DISTRO_NAME>-release file that contains similar information. For example, Redhat has an /etc/redhat-release file. Is this a standard? I couldn't find any specifications for it in the LSB spec. We are currently trying to provide Bastille support in our distro (MSC.Linux) which apparently requires an /etc/<DISTRO_NAME-release file. Before generating an MSC.Linux-release file, we wanted to know if there was a standard on this. If not, should there be? Perhaps a standard should be set that ensures the existence of an /etc/release file, removing the distro name from the file name. Thanks, Candee -- Candee Sumner Hoecker Release and Testing Manager MSC.Linux Division MSC.Software Corporation 2 MacArthur Place Santa Ana, CA 92707 voice: (714)444-5053 fax: (714)784-4220 http://www.msclinux.com/
