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Since the release of CentOS Stream, many users of the popular Linux distribution CentOS have been searching for an alternative that would offer the same stability, reliability and long-term support as CentOS. Rocky Linux, a new CentOS alternative, has emerged as a potential solution that could meet the needs of the CentOS community. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Rocky Linux and explore its features, history, installation process and usage.
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Feature |
Description |
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Stability |
Built from the same source code as RHEL, providing a stable and reliable platform |
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Long-term support |
Offers long-term support options for enterprise-level users |
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Compatibility |
Compatible with the CentOS ecosystem, making it easy to integrate with existing infrastructure |
|
Security |
Offers a range of security features, including SELinux and various security tools |
|
Package management |
Uses the YUM package manager for easy installation, removal, and management of software packages |
|
Updates |
Offers regular updates and security patches to ensure that the system is up-to-date and secure |
|
Application support |
Supports a wide range of applications, including web servers, database servers, and programming languages |
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Customization |
Can be customized and optimized for specific use cases |
|
Community |
Has an active community of users and contributors who provide support and resources |
|
Open source |
Like other Linux distributions, Rocky Linux is free and open-source software. |
History of Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux was created in response to the decision made by Red Hat, the parent company of CentOS, to shift its focus from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, the creator of the popular Linux distribution CentOS. He established a non-profit organization called the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation to oversee distribution development. The development of Rocky Linux began in December 2020, and the first stable release was made available in June 2021.
What is Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is a community-driven Linux distribution designed to replace CentOS. It is built from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which means it offers the same stability, reliability and long-term support as RHEL. Rocky Linux is compatible with the CentOS ecosystem and can run most of the same software packages as CentOS.
Installation of Rocky Linux
Installing Rocky Linux is a straightforward process. First, check the system requirements to ensure that your hardware is compatible. Next, download the ISO file from the Rocky Linux website and create a bootable USB drive. Then, boot from the USB drive and follow the installation wizard. During installation, you will be prompted to configure the system settings, including the time zone, language and partitioning. Once the installation is complete, you can log in to your new Rocky Linux system.
Using Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux offers a command-line interface, which may be unfamiliar to users who are used to graphical user interfaces. However, the command line is powerful and can perform various tasks, including package management, networking and security configuration, customization and optimization. Users can use the yum package manager to install and manage software packages. Rocky Linux also supports Docker, a popular containerization platform for deploying and managing applications.
Compatibility with CentOS and RHEL
Rocky Linux is designed to be compatible with the CentOS ecosystem and can run most of the same software packages as CentOS. It is also built from the same source code as RHEL, which means it is compatible with RHEL applications and services. This makes it an ideal choice for users looking for a CentOS alternative that can seamlessly integrate with their existing infrastructure.
Support and Community
Rocky Linux is an open-source project that relies on the contributions of its community to drive development and support. The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF) oversees distribution development and supports the community. The Rocky Linux community is also growing rapidly, with many users and developers actively contributing to the project. Users can get support from the community through forums, mailing lists, and social media channels.
Customization and Optimization
Rocky Linux is highly customizable and can be optimized for specific use cases. Users can customize the distribution by installing and configuring the software packages they need for their applications. Additionally, they can optimize the distribution by tweaking the system settings to improve performance and security. Rocky Linux offers support for a wide range of tools and technologies that can be used to optimize distribution, including monitoring tools, security tools, and performance tuning tools.
Future Developments and Potential Challenges
Rocky Linux is a relatively new distribution, and its future development and growth will depend on its ability to attract and retain a strong community of users and developers. Additionally, the distribution may face potential funding, governance, and sustainability challenges. However, with the backing of the RESF and the growing community, Rocky Linux is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and continue to grow as a viable CentOS alternative.
Installation and System Requirements
To install Rocky Linux, users must have a compatible system that meets the minimum requirements. The distribution can be installed on physical and virtual machines, and the installation process is similar to other Linux distributions. Users can download the ISO image from the official website and burn it to a CD or USB drive. The minimum system requirements for installing Rocky Linux are 2GB of RAM, 20GB of hard disk space, and a 64-bit processor.
Security Features
Rocky Linux offers a range of security features that help users protect their systems from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. The distribution includes SELinux, a mandatory access control system that provides an additional layer of security to the operating system. Additionally, Rocky Linux supports a variety of security tools, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption tools. These tools can be used to configure the system's security settings and protect it from cyber threats.
Package Management and Updates
Rocky Linux uses the YUM package manager, similar to those used in other Linux distributions. Users can use YUM to install, remove, and manage software packages on their systems. Rocky Linux offers regular updates and security patches to ensure the system is up-to-date and secure. Users can use the YUM command to update their system with the latest packages and security updates.
Application Support
Rocky Linux supports many applications, including web servers, database servers, and programming languages. The distribution includes popular web servers like Apache and Nginx and database servers like MySQL and PostgreSQL. Additionally, it supports programming languages like Python, Ruby, and Java. Users can easily install and configure these applications using the YUM package manager.
Conclusion
Rocky Linux is a promising CentOS alternative that offers stability, reliability and long-term support. It was created in response to the decision made by Red Hat to shift its focus from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux is built from the same source code as RHEL, meaning it can run most of the same software packages as CentOS.
Installing and using Rocky Linux is straightforward, and users can leverage the power of the command line to perform a wide range of tasks. With its growing community and active development, Rocky Linux is a viable option for users looking for a CentOS alternative.
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I'm fascinated by the IT world and how the 1's and 0's work. While I venture into the world of Technology, I try to share what I know in the simplest way with you. Not a fan of coffee, a travel addict, and a self-accredited 'master chef'.