In the world of tech, and in particular the realm of Linux distributions, there are always new contenders vying for the attention of users and administrators. Two such distributions that have gained significant traction are AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Both of these distributions emerged as alternatives to CentOS after Red Hat announced the end of its long-term support. But which one should you choose?
Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux to help you make an informed decision about which one to opt for.
What is AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, and community-driven Linux distribution that was developed to serve as a substitute for CentOS. Created by CloudLinux, a company well-known for its expertise in the Linux ecosystem, AlmaLinux aims to provide a stable and reliable RHEL-based distribution with a focus on long-term support and stability.
What is Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is also a free, open-source, and community-focused Linux distribution developed to occupy the space left by CentOS. It was founded by Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original creators of CentOS, and aims to be a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL, ensuring that applications and configurations are easily transferable between RHEL and Rocky Linux.
AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux: Key Features Comparison
1: Stability and Reliability
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux aim to provide a high degree of stability and reliability, as they are both based on RHEL and designed as replacements for CentOS. This means that both distributions benefit from the extensive testing and vetting that RHEL undergoes, ensuring that they are solid options for enterprise use.
2: Performance
Since both distributions are RHEL-based, their performance should be comparable to one another. Nonetheless, minor performance variations may occur as a result of the unique optimizations and settings employed by each initiative. Ultimately, the performance differences between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux should be minimal, and users should base their decision on other factors.
3: Software Ecosystem
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are built on RHEL, which means they share a similar software ecosystem. Both distributions use the popular DNF package manager and have access to the same repositories as CentOS and RHEL, ensuring a wide range of software options.
4: Security
Security is a critical aspect of any enterprise-grade Linux distribution. AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux both inherit the robust security features of RHEL, including SELinux and regular security updates. The security of both distributions should be on par with each other, as they are based on the same secure foundation.
5: Community Support
Support from the community is a critical component of any open-source initiative. AlmaLinux is supported by CloudLinux, contributing a vast array of expertise and resources to the project. The company has committed to providing long-term support for AlmaLinux, ensuring that it remains a viable option for users.
Rocky Linux, on the other hand, has a strong community-driven focus, with involvement from Gregory Kurtzer, the original founder of CentOS. This grassroots approach ensures that the project stays true to the spirit of CentOS and the open-source community.
6: Licensing and Governance
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are both open-source projects, which means that their code is freely available for anyone to inspect, modify, and distribute. Both projects are licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring that users have the freedom to use, study, share, and modify the software.
In terms of governance, AlmaLinux is managed by CloudLinux and the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, which is a non-profit organization established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. Rocky Linux is governed by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF), another non-profit organization created to support the project’s development and community engagement.
7: Use Cases
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are both designed with enterprises in mind, offering stability, performance, and compatibility as free alternatives to RHEL. They excel as servers and can be utilized in various environments, including physical, virtual, and cloud-based. Their key features make them suitable for large and medium-sized organizations, as well as for private users seeking a reliable Linux experience.
In addition to their enterprise focus, both distributions are well-suited for cloud computing and web hosting environments. Major cloud providers have added support for AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, and they are compatible with popular web hosting control panels. This versatility ensures that they can cater to various use cases while maintaining their focus on stability, performance, and compatibility.
Conclusion
Answering the question of which one you should use between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux comes; it all comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. Both distributions offer stability, reliability, and a strong focus on long-term support, making them excellent options for enterprise environments. While AlmaLinux benefits from the backing of CloudLinux, Rocky Linux has a more community-driven approach, staying true to the spirit of CentOS.
