Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux: A Simple Guide to Pick the Best One

Alright, let’s talk about this Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux thing, you know? It’s like choosing between two different kinds of potatoes, both kinda the same but with little differences.

What are these things anyway?

Well, they’re like, uh, computer systems, the kind that run those fancy servers and stuff. You know, the things that make the internet work. They ain’t Windows, though. These are more like the workhorses, the ones that keep things running smooth in the background.

• Rocky Linux: This one, they say it’s built from the same stuff as that Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or RHEL, whatever that is. Sounds fancy, but it just means it’s supposed to be strong and reliable, like a good ol’ tractor. They use somethin’ called RPM to handle the software, keeps things tidy, I guess.
• AlmaLinux: Now, this one’s also like RHEL, but they do things a bit different. They use somethin’ called DNF, which is like a fancy way of sayin’ they also got a way to handle the software. They say it’s all about keepin’ things compatible, makin’ sure everything works together nicely.

So, what’s the big fuss? Why two of ’em?

Well, see, there used to be this other thing called CentOS, and everyone liked it ’cause it was free and reliable. But then, the folks at Red Hat, they changed things up, and CentOS wasn’t the same anymore. So, these Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux folks, they stepped up and said, “Don’t you worry, we’ll make somethin’ just as good, somethin’ you can count on.” And that’s what they did.

Are they any good?

Oh, yeah, they’re good. People use them for all sorts of things. Websites, databases, you name it. They’re both strong and stable, like a good fence post that won’t rot in the ground. They say they perform about the same, too. Ain’t one much faster than the other, far as I can tell. Kinda like two mules pullin’ the same load, both gettin’ the job done.

What’s the difference then, if they’re both so good?

Well, that’s where it gets a bit tricky. It’s like lookin’ at two eggs – they look the same, but one might be a bit bigger, the other a bit darker. Rocky Linux, they built it straight from the RHEL source code, like makin’ a copy of the recipe. AlmaLinux, they made theirs to be compatible with RHEL, like makin’ somethin’ that works the same way but maybe uses different ingredients. It’s all technical mumbo-jumbo, if you ask me.

Which one should I use?

Well, that depends on what you’re doin’, I reckon. If you’re used to that RPM thing, maybe Rocky Linux is for you. If you like that DNF way of doin’ things, maybe AlmaLinux is better. They’re both solid choices, though. Like pickin’ between two good apples, you ain’t gonna go wrong either way. Just pick one and get on with it, that’s what I say.

Final words

So, there you have it. Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux, two peas in a pod, mostly. Both strong, both reliable, both good for keepin’ them computer thingamajigs runnin’ smooth. Just pick the one that feels right and don’t look back. Life’s too short to worry about such things, you know?

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I got chores to do.

Tags: Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Linux, Operating System, RHEL, CentOS, Server, RPM, DNF, Open Source