How to get the release of a Linux kernal?

I found its difficult to get the release name and version of a partilcular linux distribution by using the uname command
It can show only 'Linux myhostname and blah blah blah' . But i just wanted to know which distribution and release i'm running. so after a small research i found the command which is very helpful for the purpose.

cat etc/*release

that will display the distribution name and release like :

Red Hat Linux release 7.1 (Seawolf)

Bingo!!!