AlmaLinux vs CentOS: Key Differences You Need to Know

Well, if ya ever worked with CentOS, then you might’ve noticed it ain’t around no more, not in the same way anyhow. You see, Red Hat went and switched things up, and now we got this thing called AlmaLinux. Now, don’t get confused, AlmaLinux is pretty much like CentOS, only it’s still kickin’ strong. It’s what you might call a “1:1 binary compatible” version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or RHEL for short. So if you know how to use CentOS, then you can jump right into AlmaLinux without breakin’ a sweat. All them commands you got used to with CentOS, like the ones for using dnf, they still work the same. Ain’t much different, I tell ya.

Now, you might be wonderin’, what’s the deal with AlmaLinux compared to CentOS? Well, lemme tell ya, AlmaLinux is built for folks who need a solid, reliable system for their business or whatever they need a server for. It’s community-driven, which means a bunch of folks workin’ together to keep it safe and up-to-date. But unlike CentOS, which got its end of life in 2024, AlmaLinux is still gonna be around and ready for whatever comes next.

One thing you’ll notice is that AlmaLinux is built using a mix of stuff from both RHEL and CentOS Stream. Now, CentOS Stream’s a little different, it gets updates a bit earlier than the regular CentOS did, so it’s kind of a “preview” for RHEL. AlmaLinux takes the best of both worlds, so you get the stability of RHEL and the flexibility you might’ve liked in CentOS. That’s real handy for folks who need things to work just right.

AlmaLinux vs CentOS: The Big Picture

• Compatibility: AlmaLinux is a direct replacement for CentOS, so if you were used to workin’ with CentOS, you won’t find much to trip you up. They made sure it’s as close to CentOS as possible, so it’s familiar for ya.
• Support: Now, AlmaLinux has a free version, but if you want extra support, they got a paid plan. So, if you need someone to hold your hand through tough times, you can pay for that. But if you’re on a tight budget, you can still use it for free.
• Updates: With CentOS Stream, you get those updates quick, but sometimes that might mean runnin’ into a problem or two. AlmaLinux, on the other hand, leans more toward the stable side, so you won’t be seein’ new updates every time you blink. It’s slower but steadier, and that’s what some folks prefer.
• Community: AlmaLinux is all about the community. It’s run by folks like you and me, not some big company, so you get to have a say in how things go. And it’s open-source, so no one’s makin’ a profit off your work. That’s somethin’ a lotta people like.

Why AlmaLinux Is a Good Choice

Now, what makes AlmaLinux stand out? Well, it’s that compatibility with RHEL that I mentioned. RHEL’s got a solid reputation, so if AlmaLinux is like it, then you know it’s gotta be good. It also has a lot of support from the community, so if you ever run into trouble, you can find answers from folks who know what they’re talkin’ about.

Another reason AlmaLinux is popular is because it’s the best alternative now that CentOS is done. Folks who used CentOS for their servers are lookin’ for a new place to call home, and AlmaLinux is the best choice. It’s like a fresh start, but not too fresh, y’know? It’s still familiar enough that it doesn’t take long to settle in.

AlmaLinux Pros:

• It’s free, and you get all them updates and security fixes you need.
• It’s easy to switch from CentOS to AlmaLinux with a simple shell script.
• Good support from the community, with folks always willing to help out.

AlmaLinux Cons:

• It might not have all them fancy features that CentOS Stream had, like faster updates.
• It’s got a bit of a learning curve for folks who are new to Linux.
• If you need premium support, it can cost a pretty penny.

So, to sum it all up, AlmaLinux is a fine choice if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ stable and reliable, especially if you’ve been using CentOS. It’s still got the power of RHEL behind it, and it’s ready to go for your server needs. Just remember, it ain’t got all the same bells and whistles as CentOS Stream, but for a lot of folks, that’s just fine.

That’s about all there is to it, folks. If you got more questions, well, I reckon you’ll find some answers on the AlmaLinux forums or somewhere else in the community. Don’t be shy, and go ahead and give it a try if you’re lookin’ for a good, reliable Linux system.

Tags：[AlmaLinux, CentOS, RHEL, Linux, open-source, community-driven, server, stable Linux system, AlmaLinux pros, AlmaLinux cons]