Detect your linux distribution
You can find the base of your linux distribution by issuing the lsb_release command like below:
$ lsb_release -i
Distributor ID: elementary OS
To have more detailed information on your system you can use the -a flag:
$ lsb_release -a
No LSB modules are available.
Distributor ID: elementary OS
Description: elementary OS Luna
Release: 0.2.1
Codename: luna