What Is AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux is an open-source, community-driven Linux distribution designed as a replacement for CentOS Linux. Developed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, it aims to provide a stable and free alternative for users who relied on CentOS’s long-term support but were impacted by the shift in CentOS Linux’s direction. AlmaLinux continues the tradition of offering a robust, enterprise-grade operating system compatible with the CentOS ecosystem. In this article, we will see a detailed overview of AlmaLinux.

What is AlmaLinux?

AlmaLinux is a free and open-source Linux distribution designed as an alternative to CentOS Linux. Developed and supported by the community-driven AlmaLinux OS Foundation, it aims to provide a stable and reliable operating system with long-term support, suitable for enterprise environments. AlmaLinux is built from the upstream source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring compatibility and a seamless transition for users who were previously reliant on CentOS for their server infrastructure. With a focus on delivering a robust and community-driven alternative, AlmaLinux serves as a compelling choice for organizations seeking a stable and secure Linux distribution for their server needs.

History of AlmaLinux

• CentOS Shift: AlmaLinux emerged in response to the shift in the CentOS Linux project, which transitioned from a downstream, free version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) to CentOS Stream, causing concern among users relying on CentOS for stability.
• Foundation Establishment: The AlmaLinux OS Foundation was established in early 2021 to spearhead the development and support of AlmaLinux. This non-profit organization aimed to ensure the long-term viability and community-driven nature of the new distribution.
• Immediate Adoption: AlmaLinux gained rapid adoption as a CentOS alternative due to its commitment to maintaining binary compatibility with RHEL and providing a free, community-supported enterprise Linux distribution.
• Continued Growth: AlmaLinux continued to grow its user base and ecosystem, attracting support from individuals, organizations, and the broader open-source community as a dependable and accessible Linux distribution.

What are the Editions of Alma Linux?

There are 3 main editions of Alma Linux which are discussed below:

1. AlmaLinux OS Stable Release

The stable release is the culmination of development efforts, representing a version of AlmaLinux that is deemed ready for production use. It is thoroughly tested and considered to be reliable and secure. This release is intended for users and organizations that require a stable operating system for their servers, applications, and workloads.

• AlmaLinux OS Stable Release is built upon the upstream source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• This means it inherits the stability, security, and features from RHEL, providing users with a free and open-source alternative to RHEL for their enterprise needs.

2. AlmaLinux OS Beta Release

Beta releases precede the stable releases and serve as a testing ground for new features, improvements, and updates. These versions are made available to the community, including enthusiasts and developers, who voluntarily participate in testing, providing feedback, and reporting any issues or bugs they encounter.

• Beta releases are crucial for the development process as they help identify potential issues before they reach a stable release.
• Users who are comfortable with testing pre-release software can contribute to the improvement of AlmaLinux by participating in the beta testing phase.

3. AlmaLinux OS Release Candidates (RC)

Release Candidates are versions of the operating system that are considered feature-complete and stable. At this stage, the development team believes that the software is ready for release, but they want to subject it to additional testing to ensure the highest level of quality.

• The purpose of the Release Candidate phase is to gather more feedback from a broader audience and catch any remaining issues that might have been overlooked.
• It’s a final check before declaring the version as the official stable release. Users are encouraged to test the Release Candidate and report any issues they encounter.

Features of Alma Linux

1. RHEL Compatibility: AlmaLinux is binary-compatible with RHEL, meaning applications and workloads developed or tested on RHEL can seamlessly run on AlmaLinux.
2. Stability and Reliability: Like RHEL, AlmaLinux emphasizes stability and reliability, making it suitable for use in production environments where a robust and dependable operating system is essential.
3. Long-Term Support (LTS): AlmaLinux provides long-term support for its releases, offering security updates and maintenance over an extended period. This is particularly important for enterprise users who require a stable platform for an extended lifecycle.
4. Security Features: AlmaLinux inherits security features from RHEL, including SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) for access control policies, firewall management tools, and other security enhancements.
5. Enterprise-Grade Package Management: AlmaLinux uses the RPM package management system, providing users with a familiar and powerful toolset for installing, updating, and managing software packages.

Advantages of Alma Linux

1. Binary Compatibility: AlmaLinux maintains binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), allowing users to seamlessly transition from CentOS without concerns about application compatibility.
2. Community-Driven: Developed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, the distribution is driven by a community-oriented approach, encouraging collaboration, transparency, and community contributions to shape the direction of the project.
3. Free and Open Source: AlmaLinux is freely available and open-source, aligning with the principles of open software development. This accessibility makes it an attractive choice for individuals and organizations seeking a cost-effective, enterprise-class Linux distribution.

Disadvantages of Alma Linux

1. Limited Track Record: AlmaLinux might lack the extensive track record and history that some other established Linux distributions possess. This can be a concern for users who prioritize a long and proven history of stability.
2. Dependency on Upstream Code: AlmaLinux relies on the upstream source code of RHEL. While this ensures compatibility, it also means that any changes or decisions made by Red Hat in the development of RHEL could impact AlmaLinux. This dependency may lead to delays in incorporating the latest features or security updates.
3. Evolutionary Changes: As with any evolving project, there could be changes in the development or strategic direction of AlmaLinux. Users should stay informed about any significant changes that may impact their systems.
4. Ecosystem Transition: For users transitioning from CentOS, adapting to the AlmaLinux ecosystem may involve adjustments, such as changes in repositories, tools, or community resources.

Hardware Requirements

1. Minimum Specifications:

• CPU: 2 GHz dual-core processor or equivalent.
• RAM: 2 GB of RAM.
• Disk Space: 20 GB of free disk space.

2. Preferred Specifications:

• CPU: Multi-core processor
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Disk Space: 40 GB or more

Frequently Asked Questions on AlmaLinux – FAQs

What is AlmaLinux, and how does it relate to CentOS?

AlmaLinux is a free and open-source Linux distribution designed to be a replacement for CentOS. It is built from the upstream source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and aims to provide a stable and secure alternative to CentOS. It emerged in response to the CentOS project’s shift to CentOS Stream, offering users continuity and compatibility with the traditional CentOS model.

Is AlmaLinux compatible with software and applications developed for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?

Yes, AlmaLinux is designed to be binary-compatible with RHEL. This means that software and applications developed or tested on RHEL can run seamlessly on AlmaLinux, making it a suitable choice for users looking for a drop-in replacement for RHEL or CentOS.

How is AlmaLinux supported, and what kind of support options are available?

AlmaLinux is supported by the community-driven AlmaLinux OS Foundation. While there is community support available through forums, documentation, and community-contributed resources, AlmaLinux does not have the same level of commercial support as RHEL. Users seeking professional support and additional services may explore options from third-party vendors or consider other enterprise Linux distributions.

What are the advantages of using AlmaLinux over other Linux distributions?

AlmaLinux offers advantages such as stability, reliability, and long-term support, making it suitable for production environments. It inherits features from RHEL, including robust security measures and enterprise-grade package management. Additionally, AlmaLinux serves as a free and open-source alternative, which may be appealing to users who prefer community-driven projects.

How can I migrate from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux?

The migration from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux involves transitioning the system while preserving data and configurations. The AlmaLinux project provides documentation and tools to facilitate this migration. Users can follow the step-by-step guide provided by AlmaLinux, which typically involves adding the AlmaLinux repositories, installing the almalinux-release package, and executing a system update. It’s recommended to review the official documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate migration instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AlmaLinux stands out as a better and community-driven Linux distribution, positioned as a worthy successor to CentOS. Its commitment to maintaining binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) ensures a seamless transition for users seeking a stable and long-term supported platform. The establishment of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation reflects a community-oriented approach, enabling collaboration and transparency.