What is AlmaLinux?

AlmaLinux is a robust, open source Linux distribution designed as a reliable alternative to CentOS. It is a robust and open operating system, addressing the gaps left by CentOS' transition to a rolling release model. Maintained by the non-profit AlmaLinux OS Foundation, it provides long-term support and community-driven enhancements, including security and safety. AlmaLinux ensures seamless integration with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux), making it an attractive choice for enterprises and developers looking for a reliable and familiar environment.

AlmaLinux offers regularly updated and extensive support, giving users the tools they need to develop enterprise-level applications. Its commitment to open principles and community participation ensures that AlmaLinux remains a reliable and widespread OS in the Linux ecosystem.

Being binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) means you can use the same software packages and configurations on both Windows and mac operating systems. The development and governance of AlmaLinux is guided by the community, and reflects the priorities of security and reliability. AlmaLinux is a standalone, relatively free operating system developed by CloudLinux Inc. And it contains security features such as Errata, GPG keys, mailing list, OpenSCAP, and much more.

How to Download and Install AlmaLinux?

Before downloading and installing, check the system requirements to ensure that your system can run a simple AlmaLinux. Your system must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum hardware requirements include a 2 GHz Dual-Core Processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 20 GB of free Disk Space.
• Advocacy features include a multi-core processor, 4 GB of RAM or more and 40 GB of free disk space or more.

Once the required devices are confirmed, you are ready to download and configure AlmaLinux using the procedure below:

• Visit AlmaLinux official website and download the ISO file.
• Next, create a bootable USB Drive with Rufus and some tools like balenaEtcher. If you are using Linux, you can also run the dd command.
• Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and reboot.
• Next, access the BIOS settings by pressing the F2, F12, Del, or Esc key.
• Configure the boot settings according to your needs, save the changes, and exit the BIOS.
• Next, follow the instructions shown on your system display to start the installation.
• Then, select language, keyboard format, time zone and so on.
• Next, select the location and select the disk partition.
• Set a new password, create a user account, and complete the installation.
• After completing the setup, remove the USB driver and Restart your system.
• Lastly, log in with a user account and then you are all set! Enjoy AlmaLinux.

It is advisable to update AlmaLinux to the latest version to make it work properly on your system. Update with the command below:

Command

History of AlmaLinux

On December 8, 2020, Red Hat announced that it would cease development of CentOS, an open fork of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It uses CentOS Stream to manage scheduled updates. In response to the CentOS deactivation, CloudLinux, which runs its own commercial Linux distribution, CloudLinux OS, has stepped in to provide community-supported successors to its goal of matching RHEL with dual controllers. On January 1, 2021, a beta version of AlmaLinux was released. The first stable version followed shortly after, on March 30, 2021.

The name "AlmaLinux" is taken from the word "alma", which means "soul" in Spanish and other Latin languages. It was chosen as a tribute to the Linux community. AlmaLinux 8.x is supported until 2029, providing at least eight years of support. Several companies, including ARM, AWS, Equinix, and Microsoft, also support AlmaLinux. On March 30, 2021, the AlmaLinux OS Foundation was established as a 501(c) organization to assume the development and governance of AlmaLinux from CloudLinux. CloudLinux committed $1 million a year to the project.

Editions

AlmaLinux comes up with three versions, which are mentioned here:

• Stable Release: The AlmaLinux Stable release version is showing the development process efforts. It basically represents a version of AlmaLinux that is considered ready for production use. It is considered reliable and safe.
• Beta Releases: Beta releases earlier from definitive releases and are a testing ground for new features, enhancements, and updates. This definition allows users to provide input and helps them identify important information prior to release.
• Release Candidates: The release candidate version is considered nearest to the final release. Users are allowed to test the RC version to ensure compatibility with their configuration and can report issue if any.

Advantages

AlmaLinux comes up with a number of benefits that are providing here:

• Stability and Reliability: AlmaLinux is built from the upstream source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This ensures compatibility and a seamless transition for users who previously relied on CentOS for their server infrastructure. AlmaLinux inherits features from RHEL, including robust security measures and enterprise-grade package management.
• Binary Compatible: AlmaLinux maintains binary compatibility with RHEL. This means users can seamlessly transition from CentOS without worrying about application compatibility.
• Long-Term Support: AlmaLinux provides long-term support, making it suitable for production environments. AlmaLinux upholds the tradition of providing a robust, enterprise-grade operating system compatible with the CentOS ecosystem.
• Community-Driven Development: The AlmaLinux OS Foundation oversees the development and support of AlmaLinux. This non-profit organization ensures the long-term viability and community-driven nature of the distribution.
• Economical Backing: CloudLinux's sponsorship financially supports AlmaLinux, contributing to its stability and ongoing development.

Disadvantages

With some advantages, AlmaLinux also has some drawbacks, which are the following:

• Newness and Reputation: AlmaLinux is relatively new and has yet to develop a long and solid reputation within the Linux community. Project reputation often influences how widely a software solution is adopted.
• Competition with Rocky Linux: AlmaLinux competes with Rocky Linux as a preferred CentOS replacement. Both distributions aim to fill the void left by the shift from CentOS to CentOS Stream. Users may need to evaluate which one aligns better with their needs.
• Supports Third-Party Apps: While AlmaLinux strives for 1:1 binary compatibility with RHEL and pre-CentOS Stream versions, it may not be fully compatible with all third-party applications yet.

Releases of AlmaLinux

Conclusion

AlmaLinux is known as a robust and community-driven alternative to CentOS. It offers long-term support and stability for enterprise-grade Linux environments. Its seamless transition and commitment to maintaining compatibility with existing CentOS systems underscore its reliability. AlmaLinux not only fills the void left by CentOS's shift but also stands as a testament to the power of open-source collaboration.