Discover the best CentOS alternatives and access complete migration guides. Ensure a smooth transition with step-by-step instructions for popular Linux distributions. #centlinux #linux #centos
Table of Contents
Introduction
Recent announcement from Red Hat about terminating the development of CentOS Linux as a rebuild of RHEL operating system, breaks the hearts of many Linux users.
Although the CentOS is not completely dead, rather the CentOS Linux is continue to evolve as a upstream (development) branch of Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This new Linux operating system is named as CentOS Stream.
You can follow our previous article to migrate CentOS 8 to Stream.
Although the Red Hat commits to provide the regular updates like traditional CentOS Linux releases, but no one can deny the fact that the Community’s most favorite distribution is no longer a stable alternative of RHEL.
To address the disappointment of the Linux community, Red Hat has immediately announced a free Redhat subscription for up to 16 production servers.
This license limit is quiet enough for small to medium size organizations. But let’s see how long they will continue to provide this free Linux operating system, or it is just a marketing stunt for converting CentOS Linux users to Red Hat.
Meanwhile, the Linux community is very desperate about the future of their Server Operating System. And they are looking for the CentOS alternatives to fulfill their Data Center requirements.
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CentOS Alternatives
Right now, following are the best CentOS alternatives for the Linux users.
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a community enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with America’s top enterprise Linux distribution now that its downstream partner has shifted direction. It is under intensive development by the community. Rocky Linux is currently considered as the best CentOS alternative as it is led by Gregory Kurtzer, founder of the CentOS project.
You may find the complete details at the Rocky Linux official website.
Migration Guide: How to migrate CentOS 8 to Rocky Linux
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is launched with the code-name Project Lenix. AlmaLinux is an open-source, community-driven project that intends to fill the gap left by the demise of the CentOS stable release. AlmaLinux is a 1:1 binary compatible fork of RHEL 8 and it is built by the creators of the already established CloudLinux OS.
As a standalone, completely free OS, AlmaLinux enjoys $1M in annual sponsorship from CloudLinux Inc. They will support future RHEL releases by updating AlmaLinux. Ongoing development efforts are governed by the members of the community.
AlmaLinux is an enterprise-grade server OS, a stable Linux distribution with regular releases that come with longer support windows. You can rely on AlmaLinux, as a CentOS alternative, to run your clients’ critical workloads.
The first beta version of AlmaLinux had been released on 28th January 2021. You can download latest versions from AlmaLinux website.
Migration Guide: How to migrate CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux
Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux is an open and complete operating environment. Oracle Linux delivers virtualization, management, and cloud native computing tools, along with the operating system, in a single support offering. Oracle Linux is 100% application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Since 2006, Oracle Linux has been completely free to download and use. Free source code, binaries, and updates. Freely redistributable. Free for production use.
Oracle Linux is one of the best CentOS alternatives, since a long time especially for deploying Oracle database software. Now, after the demise of Community Enterprise Operating System, you can also choose it as your next Linux server platform.
Migration Guide: How to migrate CentOS 8 to Oracle Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is the most deployed commercial Linux distribution in the public cloud, RHEL is certified on hundreds of public cloud and service providers as well as thousands of other types of software and hardware.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the world’s leading open source operating system. It gives you control with built-in security and manageability so you can confidently run your critical workloads on a stable, high-performance platform. You can evaluate Red Hat Enterprise Linux free for your application deployments, datacenter infrastructure, or virtual and cloud environments.
After dicontinuation of CentOS Linux, Red Hat is now offering a 16 servers free license to encourage Linux community to select RHEL as a CentOS alternative.
Migration Guide: How to migrate CentOS 8 to Redhat
Springdale Linux
Springdale Linux is another CentOS alternative from the computing staff of Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study. It is a academic fork of CentOS Linux just like the Scientific Linux (discontinued last year).
Springdale may be obscure, but its developers boast they had Springdale Linux 8 out before CentOS released theirs. True, the DVD ISOs for 8 are not available, but the Boot/PXE ISOs for Springdale Linux 8.3 are already available for download.
Migration Guide: How to migrate CentOS 8 to Springdale Linux
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, exploring the best CentOS alternatives can help you find a Linux distribution that fits your needs for stability, support, and performance. By following comprehensive migration guides, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new operating system.
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