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AlmaLinux is a stable and free version of Linux, designed as the direct successor to CentOS. AlmaLinux is an interesting operating system for businesses and home users, as it has a dedicated community and is binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
What is AlmaLinux?
The AlmaLinux Open Source Foundation promotes its operating system with this slogan: ‘For the community, by the community’. It is not uncommon for a Linux distribution to be maintained by a community and made available to developers free of charge. AlmaLinux, however, is considered a serious contender, given that it has managed to attract a large number of users since its first release in 2021. This is down to its transparent approach, which allows users to follow every step and actively contribute where necessary. Its history is also another reason for its popularity, given that AlmaLinux’s predecessor was a very popular operating system.
The history of AlmaLinux
The new distribution was developed following confirmation of the end of CentOS. CentOS is a free RHEL clone that is highly regarded by many developers. A key feature of the system is its binary compatibility with RHEL. At the end of 2020, Red Hat announced that it would be discontinuing support for CentOS and offering CentOS Stream as its successor. However, this other Linux variant lacks binary compatibility with RHEL. CentOS Stream is a rolling release that tests potential updates to the commercial RHEL. Understandably, this is impractical for many users. This is how the desire for an alternative successor to CentOS arose.
There are currently two alternatives: Rocky Linux, named after the late co-founder of CentOS, Rocky McGaugh, and AlmaLinux. AlmaLinux is based on the same fundamental concept as CentOS. The aim remains to provide a Linux distribution that is completely free and binary-compatible with the current version of RHEL. The beta version of AlmaLinux was released on 1 February 2021. The stable version was released at the end of March that same year. Support will be available until at least 2029. AlmaLinux is supported by a number of companies, including ARM, AWS, Equinix and Microsoft.
What are the benefits of AlmaLinux?
Whilst the basic idea behind a free Linux distribution created by the community is commendable, AlmaLinux must ultimately be judged on how good and useful the operating system proves to be. We will therefore now take a closer look at the advantages of this Linux variant. The first advantage will be of interest to users who previously relied on CentOS and now need to switch. AlmaLinux is a clear alternative to the popular distribution.
Easy migration from CentOS to AlmaLinux
The transition is straightforward in terms of availability and binary compatibility with RHEL, and generally in terms of usability. Those who are familiar with and fond of CentOS will quickly get used to AlmaLinux. As a fork of RHEL, it differs only slightly from its popular predecessor in terms of appearance and operation. Existing CentOS installations can also be easily migrated using a script.
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Another advantage is the community-driven approach, which is currently having a positive impact but is likely to become even more important in the future. Developments and changes are developed collaboratively and implemented swiftly. The distribution focuses on the needs of actual users and meets their requirements. Strong support and guidance are available when migrating to AlmaLinux. The highly valued community will remain vital in the coming years, as it ensures, through the production of documentation and updates, that further developments are carried out in the best interests of system administrators.
Source code and stability
The source code is based on RHEL, but can be adapted and optimised for your own purposes. The necessary changes can be integrated following consultation with the community. AlmaLinux is very stable, making it a safe choice, particularly compared to its two ‘siblings’. New software is initially available as a rolling release on CentOS Stream, but there is still a risk of minor bugs. Once these are fixed, the commercial version receives the update alongside Red Hat Linux Enterprise. AlmaLinux then follows suit. This process takes longer, but at least it has been tested.
Costs and licences
Of course, the cost factor must also be mentioned. AlmaLinux is completely free, yet offers the same features as commercial operating systems. There are no fees or charges, and no licences, service contracts, registrations or usage restrictions. This distribution is truly committed to open source and is a worthy alternative to paid options.
What was the operating system designed for?
AlmaLinux positions itself as an enterprise operating system and is aimed at companies and organisations seeking a stable and well-maintained Linux distribution for commercial purposes. It is generally seen as a free alternative to the paid Red Hat Enterprise Linux, although users can also use AlmaLinux to build a secure and application-optimised operating architecture. Servers work well with this Linux distribution, as they require a reliable operating system. The system can be used in physical, virtual and cloud-based environments alike. Although AlmaLinux focuses on businesses, it is also suitable for personal use.
What are the alternatives?
Although AlmaLinux has impressed most users so far, it is still a very new Linux distribution. The system can only be properly assessed after a few years of use. However, there are a few good alternatives to AlmaLinux. The obvious alternative is Rocky Linux, which was also created as a successor to CentOS. However, the operating system is still very new and has only been tested to a limited extent.
Debian and Ubuntu are both operating systems that have been on the market for many years, have countless users and are extremely well documented. openSUSE Leap is another stable and user-friendly alternative, supported by an enthusiastic community. openSUSE Leap is very popular amongst Linux server distributions.
AlmaLinux has so far lived up to its claim that it will be a secure and user-friendly successor to CentOS. Thanks to its large and dedicated community, it seems that the operating system will continue to play a role in the future and will establish itself as a recommended alternative to RHEL. AlmaLinux is a good choice if you are looking for a stable and free enterprise distribution.
AlmaLinux is also an available operating system option on our KVM VPS servers.