How to migrate CentOS 8 to Springdale Linux

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Learn how to migrate CentOS 8 to Springdale Linux with our comprehensive guide. Follow step-by-step instructions to seamlessly transition your system, ensuring compatibility and stability. #centlinux #linux #centosalternatives

What is Springdale Linux?

Springdale Linux (formerly known as PUIAS Linux) is a Linux distribution that aims to provide a stable, reliable, and compatible operating system derived from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It is built from the same sources used by Red Hat for their enterprise offering, and it strives to maintain binary compatibility with RHEL. Springdale Linux is designed for users who require a stable and supported Linux distribution with long-term support (LTS) and security updates.

Springdale Linux is maintained by the Community Grids Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a member of the CentOS derivative family. It offers a similar experience to CentOS, with a focus on providing a platform suitable for both desktop and server environments. Like CentOS, Springdale Linux aims to provide a free and open-source alternative to RHEL, allowing users to benefit from the stability and reliability of the RHEL ecosystem without the associated costs.

Key features of Springdale Linux include:

Stability: Built from the same source code as RHEL, providing a stable and reliable platform for both desktop and server use.
Compatibility: Strives to maintain binary compatibility with RHEL, ensuring compatibility with RHEL packages and applications.
Long-Term Support: Offers long-term support (LTS) with security updates and maintenance releases.
Community Support: Benefits from a supportive community of users and contributors who provide assistance and resources.
Free and Open Source: Distributed under open-source licenses, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software.

Overall, Springdale Linux is a viable option for users seeking a stable, compatible, and community-supported Linux distribution based on RHEL source code. It provides an alternative to CentOS and other RHEL derivatives, catering to the needs of both individual users and organizations requiring a robust Linux operating system.

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Environment Specification

We are using a minimal CentOS 8 virtual machine with following specifications.

CPU – 3.4 Ghz (2 cores)
Memory – 2 GB
Storage – 20 GB
Operating System – CentOS Linux 8.3
Hostname – centos-8.centlinux.com
IP Address – 192.168.116.230 /24

Check your Current Linux OS

Connect with centos-8.centlinux.com as root user with the help of a ssh client.

Execute following commands to check the version of your current Linux operating system.

# cat /etc/os-release
NAME="CentOS Linux"
VERSION="8"
ID="centos"
ID_LIKE="rhel fedora"
VERSION_ID="8"
PLATFORM_ID="platform:el8"
PRETTY_NAME="CentOS Linux 8"
ANSI_COLOR="0;31"
CPE_NAME="cpe:/o:centos:centos:8"
HOME_URL="https://centos.org/"
BUG_REPORT_URL="https://bugs.centos.org/"
CENTOS_MANTISBT_PROJECT="CentOS-8"
CENTOS_MANTISBT_PROJECT_VERSION="8"

# cat /etc/centos-release
CentOS Linux release 8.3.2011

Also check the version of your Linux Kernel.

# uname -r
4.18.0-240.1.1.el8_3.x86_64

Update your Linux Server

Update software packages of your CentOS Linux by using dnf command.

# dnf update -y

The process also update the Linux kernel, therefore, it is a good practice to reboot your operating system with new kernel.

# reboot

Remove CentOS Specific Software Packages

Before migrating to Springdale Linux, you have to remove software packages from your operating system related to CentOS branding and yum repositories.

Execute following command to remove CentOS specific software packages.

# rpm -e --nodeps centos-gpg-keys centos-linux-release centos-linux-repos

If you are migrating from a GUI based CentOS Linux then you must also remove centos-backgrounds, centos-indexhtml and centos-logos packages.

Install Springdale Linux Yum Repositories

To migrate our CentOS 8 operating system to Springdale Linux (SDL), you are required to install SDL yum repositories.

The latest stable release of Springdale Linux is 8.4, therefore we are installing yum repositories for the same.

# rpm -ivh http://springdale.princeton.edu/data/springdale/8.4/x86_64/os/BaseOS/Packages/{springdale-appstream-8-0.sdl8.2.noarch.rpm,springdale-core-8-0.sdl8.2.noarch.rpm,springdale-release-8.4-0.42.el8.x86_64.rpm}
Retrieving http://springdale.princeton.edu/data/springdale/8.4/x86_64/os/BaseOS/Packages/springdale-appstream-8-0.sdl8.2.noarch.rpm
Retrieving http://springdale.princeton.edu/data/springdale/8.4/x86_64/os/BaseOS/Packages/springdale-core-8-0.sdl8.2.noarch.rpm
Retrieving http://springdale.princeton.edu/data/springdale/8.4/x86_64/os/BaseOS/Packages/springdale-release-8.4-0.42.el8.x86_64.rpm
warning: /var/tmp/rpm-tmp.cxDAkl: Header V3 RSA/SHA256 Signature, key ID 41a40948: NOKEY
Verifying...                          ################################# [100%]
Preparing...                          ################################# [100%]
Updating / installing...
   1:springdale-core-8-0.sdl8.2       ################################# [ 33%]
   2:springdale-release-8.4-0.42.el8  ################################# [ 67%]
   3:springdale-appstream-8-0.sdl8.2  ################################# [100%]

Migrate CentOS 8 to Springdale Linux

Now, execute following dnf command to start migration process.

# dnf distro-sync -y

Reboot your Linux server with newly installed Linux kernel.

# reboot

GRUB menu has a newly entry pertains to Springdale Linux. Press <ENTER> to start your operating system with the new kernel.

After successful startup, you will reach at the Linux command line (CLI) based login prompt.

Check your New Linux Operating System

Execute the following commands at Linux bash prompt to check the operating system version and other details.

# cat /etc/os-release
NAME="Springdale Open Enterprise Linux"
VERSION="8.4 (Modena)"
ID="rhel"
ID_LIKE="fedora"
VERSION_ID="8.4"
PLATFORM_ID="platform:el8"
PRETTY_NAME="Springdale Open Enterprise Linux 8.4 (Modena)"
ANSI_COLOR="0;31"
CPE_NAME="cpe:/o:springdale:enterprise_linux:8.4:GA"
HOME_URL="https://springdale.princeton.edu/"
BUG_REPORT_URL="https://springdale.princeton.edu/bugzilla"

REDHAT_BUGZILLA_PRODUCT="Springdale Open Enterprise Linux 8"
REDHAT_BUGZILLA_PRODUCT_VERSION=8.4
REDHAT_SUPPORT_PRODUCT="Springdale Open Enterprise Linux"
REDHAT_SUPPORT_PRODUCT_VERSION="8.4"

# cat /etc/springdale-release
Springdale Open Enterprise Linux release 8.4 (Modena)

Also check the version of your new Linux kernel.

# uname -r
4.18.0-305.7.1.el8_4.x86_64

Final Thoughts

Migrating from CentOS 8 to Springdale Linux opens up a world of stability, reliability, and long-term support. With our comprehensive guide, transitioning your system becomes a seamless process, ensuring compatibility and continuity for your operations.

If you require professional assistance with the migration or have specific requirements for your Springdale Linux setup, I offer tailored services to facilitate a smooth transition. Visit my Fiverr profile to explore my expertise and service offerings: Linux System Administration

Let me help you navigate the migration process and ensure your CentOS 8 system evolves seamlessly into a robust Springdale Linux environment.

Alaric Bird

Alaric Bird is a seasoned Linux System Administrator with over a decade of experience in managing and optimizing Linux-based servers and infrastructure. Known for his expertise in server deployment, security hardening, and performance tuning, Alaric has a deep understanding of various Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. His skills extend to cloud platforms like AWS, where he effectively manages virtual private servers and services. Alaric is also proficient in scripting languages such as Bash and Python, which he uses to automate routine tasks, enhancing efficiency and reliability. With a strong commitment to continuous learning, he stays updated with the latest developments in open-source technologies and best practices. His problem-solving abilities, combined with excellent communication skills, make him a valuable asset to any IT team. In addition to his technical expertise, Alaric is passionate about mentoring junior administrators and fostering a collaborative environment.