CentOS is a variant of the Linux operating system that is freely available and open-source. It is extensively used in enterprise settings due to its dependable and secure nature. It is commonly preferred for both servers and workstations because of its stability, making it a favored choice. However, many people wonder if CentOS is a suitable choice for beginners who are new to Linux. Let’s now find the answer to this and see if CentOS is good for beginners.
What is CentOS?
CentOS, also referred to as Community Enterprise Operating System, is a form of Linux distribution that utilizes the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) as its foundation. It is a free and open-source operating system that is extensively utilized for servers and workstations. The distinguishing features of CentOS include its reliability, stability, and security, making it a preferred choice for enterprise settings.
The development of CentOS is community-driven, and it is maintained by a team of volunteers. CentOS provides users with access to enterprise-level software and features, without the need for a costly subscription to RHEL.
CentOS is different from other Linux distributions in that it focuses on stability and reliability over cutting-edge features and updates. This means that updates to CentOS are released more slowly than other distributions, but they are thoroughly tested to ensure that they are stable and reliable.
Advantages of CentOS for Beginners
- Stability and reliability: CentOS is recognized for its dependability and resilience, making it a suitable option for novices who require a steady platform to operate their applications and services.
- Compatibility: CentOS is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which means that it is compatible with enterprise-level software and applications. This makes it a good choice for users who need a stable and reliable platform for running enterprise-level applications.
- Large community support: There is a significant and lively community of users and developers within CentOS who offer assistance and various resources to its users. This community-driven development model ensures that CentOS is constantly improving and evolving.
- Security: CentOS includes a range of security features that make it a secure platform for running applications and services. These security features include SELinux, which provides enhanced security through mandatory access controls, and firewall configuration tools.
Is CentOS Good for Beginners?
The answer to this inquiry relies on how familiar you are with Linux. CentOS is known for its stability and security, which makes it a good choice for servers and workstations. If you’re a beginner who’s just getting started with learning Linux, CentOS might not be the most suitable option for you. Here are a few reasons why that might be the case:
- Lack of User-Friendly Features
CentOS is designed to be a stable and reliable operating system, which means that it may lack some of the user-friendly features that beginners are used to. For example, CentOS does not come with a graphical installer, which means that you need to install it using the command line. This can be intimidating for beginners who are not familiar with the command line.
- Limited package selection
CentOS has a limited selection of packages compared to other Linux distributions. This means that some software or applications may not be available in the official repositories, and users may need to compile and install them manually.
- Limited Support for Desktop Environments
CentOS is primarily designed for servers and workstations, which means that it may not have as many options for desktop environments as other Linux distributions. While CentOS does support some desktop environments, such as GNOME and KDE, it may not have the same level of customization and features as other distributions.
Should Beginners Use CentOS?
While CentOS may not be the best choice for beginners, it is still a viable option for those who are willing to learn and are comfortable with the command line. CentOS is a stable and reliable operating system that is widely used in the industry, which means that it can be a valuable skill to have. If you are a beginner who is interested in CentOS, should invest their time in learning the Command Line, join the CentOS forum, go through the documentation, and above all start practicing using it.
Conclusion
CentOS is a widely adopted Linux distribution that enjoys a reputation for its stability, dependability, and popularity within the industry. While it may not be the best choice for beginners who are just starting to learn Linux, it is still a viable option for those who are willing to learn and are comfortable with the command line.
