IF YOU WANT you can query v$version view as shown:
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SQL> SELECT * FROM v$version ;

BANNER
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Oracle8i Enterprise Edition Release 8.1.7.0.0 - Production
PL/SQL Release 8.1.7.0.0 - Production
CORE 8.1.7.0.0 Production
TNS for Solaris: Version 8.1.7.0.0 - Production
NLSRTL Version 3.4.1.0.0 - Production
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