Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux: These are two popular Linux distributions that have gained attention as alternatives to CentOS after the shift in the CentOS project’s direction. While both distributions aim to provide a stable, community-driven, and open-source operating system, there are some technical differences between Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux worth considering. Let’s compare Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux:
Table of Contents
Background
Rocky Linux is a community-driven enterprise operating system that aims to be a downstream, compatible rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was created by the co-founder of CentOS, Gregory Kurtzer, and the community.
AlmaLinux is another community-driven Linux distribution that aims to be a 1:1 binary compatible replacement for CentOS. It was created by CloudLinux, a company specializing in providing stable and secure hosting environments.
Development and Support
Rocky Linux follows a community-driven development model, similar to CentOS. It is supported by a large and active community of contributors and volunteers.
AlmaLinux is backed by CloudLinux, which provides commercial support, maintenance, and security updates for the distribution. It also has an active community contributing to its development.
Base Distribution
Rocky Linux is based on the source code of RHEL. It aims to provide a compatible and stable alternative to RHEL, targeting users who were previously relying on CentOS for their enterprise needs.
AlmaLinux is also built from the source code of RHEL, with the goal of maintaining binary compatibility. It aims to offer a drop-in replacement for CentOS with long-term support.
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Release Cycle and Updates
Rocky Linux follows a rolling release model, which means updates are continuously released as they become available. This approach provides users with the latest software versions and security patches.
AlmaLinux follows a traditional release model with periodic updates and releases. It offers long-term support (LTS) versions, ensuring stability and predictability for enterprise users.
Read Also: AlmaLinux 8 Minimal installation with screenshots
Community Involvement
Rocky Linux emphasizes community involvement and encourages contributions from users, developers, and organizations. It provides various channels for community engagement, including forums, IRC, mailing lists, and GitHub.
AlmaLinux also fosters community participation, encouraging users to provide feedback, report issues, and contribute to the project’s development. It maintains active communication channels and accepts community contributions.
Additional Features and Tools
Rocky Linux aims to remain as close as possible to the upstream RHEL distribution. It provides a platform that supports a wide range of enterprise applications and tools.
AlmaLinux strives to maintain compatibility with CentOS, offering a stable and familiar environment for CentOS users. It also incorporates additional features and tools tailored to enterprise needs.
Branding and Identity
Rocky Linux has its own distinct branding, logo, and identity separate from CentOS and other distributions. It aims to establish itself as a prominent and independent community-driven project.
AlmaLinux, on the other hand, retains the CentOS branding and logo, creating a sense of continuity and familiarity for CentOS users. It positions itself as a seamless replacement for CentOS within the existing ecosystem.
Hardware Requirements
Both Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are enterprise-grade distributions that share nearly identical hardware requirements, as they are binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). For most standard server deployments, the minimum specifications are:
- CPU: 1 GHz or faster x86_64 processor
- Memory (RAM): 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended for smoother performance)
- Storage: 20 GB disk space minimum (40 GB+ recommended for server workloads)
- Network: Ethernet adapter for connectivity
For more demanding environments—such as running Kubernetes clusters, Docker containers, or web servers—you’ll benefit from additional CPU cores, higher RAM (8 GB+), and SSD storage.
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Limitations – Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux
While Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are both promising Linux distributions, it’s important to consider their limitations as well. Here are some potential limitations of Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux:
Limitations of Rocky Linux
Relatively New: Rocky Linux is a relatively new distribution, and as such, it may have a smaller community and ecosystem compared to more established distributions like CentOS or Ubuntu. This could result in fewer resources, tutorials, and community support available.
Rolling Release Model: While the rolling release model provides users with the latest software versions and security updates, it can also introduce a higher level of complexity and potential instability. Updates may occasionally introduce bugs or compatibility issues that require additional troubleshooting and testing.
Limited Commercial Support: Rocky Linux primarily relies on community support and contributions. While the community can be helpful, it may lack the same level of dedicated commercial support available from companies like Red Hat for their RHEL distribution. This can be a concern for enterprise users who require robust support and maintenance.
Read Also: How to Migrate CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux
Limitations of AlmaLinux
CentOS 8 Transition: AlmaLinux was created as a response to the shift in the CentOS project’s direction, particularly with the end of CentOS 8 updates and support. As a result, the transition process from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux might involve some challenges and migration efforts for existing CentOS users.
Commercial Backing: While having commercial backing from CloudLinux can be advantageous in terms of support and maintenance, it can also introduce dependencies and potential conflicts of interest. The influence of a commercial entity may impact decision-making processes and community-driven development.
Limited Independent Development: AlmaLinux aims to be a 1:1 binary compatible replacement for CentOS, focusing on maintaining compatibility rather than introducing significant independent development or innovation. While this may be beneficial for users seeking a drop-in replacement, it might limit the availability of unique features or enhancements.
It’s important to note that these limitations are not absolute and may change over time as both distributions continue to evolve. Users should carefully evaluate their specific needs and priorities to determine which distribution best suits their requirements. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to research and test any distribution before deploying it in production environments.
Conclusion – Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux
Conclusively, Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux, both distributions are community-driven Linux distributions that aim to serve as CentOS alternatives. They are based on the source code of RHEL and offer similar goals, but with some technical differences. Rocky Linux emphasizes community involvement and follows a rolling release model, while AlmaLinux provides commercial support, follows a traditional release model, and focuses on maintaining binary compatibility. The choice between the two ultimately depends on specific requirements, preferred support models, and the desired level of community involvement.
Ultimately, the choice between Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux depends on specific requirements, preferences, and the desired level of community involvement. Rocky Linux offers a rolling release model and emphasizes community-driven development, while AlmaLinux provides long-term support and benefits from the backing of a commercial company.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux be used for desktop computers, or are they only for servers?
Both Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are primarily designed for servers and enterprise use, but they can also be installed on desktop machines with some additional configuration.
2. How do Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux handle software updates and security patches?
Both distros follow a stable, enterprise-grade update model with regular security patches and bug fixes, similar to RHEL, ensuring system stability and security.
3. Are there significant differences in hardware compatibility between Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux?
Hardware compatibility is largely the same since both are binary-compatible with RHEL, but occasional driver support differences can appear based on the community contributions.
4. Do Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux support container technologies like Docker and Podman out of the box?
Yes, both support popular container tools like Docker and Podman, making them suitable for modern containerized application deployments.
5. Is community support available for troubleshooting, or do I need paid support for either distribution?
Both Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux have active and helpful community forums for free support; paid professional support is optional and depends on your business needs.
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