Red Hat, Slackware, Debian, and Arch are all popular Linux distributions, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
Red Hat is known for its stability and enterprise support. It is a good choice for businesses that need a reliable and secure platform. Red Hat also has a large and active community, which means that there is plenty of help available if you need it.
Slackware is known for its simplicity and minimalism. It is a good choice for users who want a Linux distribution that is easy to use and doesn't come with a lot of bloatware. Slackware is also very customizable, so you can tailor it to your own needs.
Debian is known for its stability and security. It is a good choice for users who want a Linux distribution that is reliable and won't break easily. Debian is also very versatile, so it can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
Arch is known for its bleeding-edge software and customization options. It is a good choice for users who want the latest and greatest software and who are willing to put in the time to customize their system. Arch is also very lightweight, so it can be used on older hardware.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between these four distributions:
| Distribution | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Red Hat | Stability, enterprise support, large community | Can be expensive, not as customizable as some other distributions |
| Slackware | Simplicity, minimalism, customization | Not as stable as some other distributions, not as many software packages available |
| Debian | Stability, security, versatility | Can be a bit complex to set up, not as bleeding-edge as some other distributions |
| Arch | Bleeding-edge software, customization, lightweight | Can be difficult to set up, not as stable as some other distributions |
Arch Linux is also a community-driven Linux distribution. It is developed and maintained by a team of volunteers, and it is not affiliated with any company. The Arch community is responsible for providing support, documentation, and software packages.
Arch Linux is a rolling release distribution, which means that it is always up to date with the latest software. This can be a good thing for users who want the latest and greatest software, but it can also be a challenge for users who are not comfortable with using a bleeding-edge distribution.
Arch Linux is known for its customization options. Users can choose the software packages they want to install, and they can also choose the desktop environment they want to use. This makes Arch Linux a good choice for users who want a lot of control over their system.
The Arch community is very active and helpful. There are many forums and mailing lists where you can get help if you need it. There are also many software packages available for Arch, both in the official repositories and in third-party repositories.
If you are looking for a rolling release distribution with a lot of customization options, then Arch Linux is a good choice. It is a community-driven distribution, so you can be sure that it will be supported for many years to come.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Arch Linux:
Pros:
- Rolling release distribution
- Lots of customization options
- Active and helpful community
- Official repositories with a wide variety of software packages
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set up
- Not as stable as some other distributions
- Can be difficult to find help if you need it
Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora Project, a community-supported project sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora is a free and open-source operating system that is known for its cutting-edge technologies, the latest software, and frequent updates. It is also one of the few major distros to embrace stock GNOME.
Fedora was first released in 2003 as a continuation of the Red Hat Linux project. It is now one of the most popular Linux distributions, and it is used by a wide variety of users, including developers, system administrators, and home users.
Fedora is known for its bleeding-edge software and customization options. It is a good choice for users who want the latest and greatest software and who are willing to put in the time to customize their system. Fedora is also very lightweight, so it can be used on older hardware.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Fedora:
Pros:
- Cutting-edge software
- Frequent updates
- Lightweight
- Active and helpful community
- Official repositories with a wide variety of software packages
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set up
- Not as stable as some other distributions
- Can be difficult to find help if you need it
Ultimately, the best distribution for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a bleeding-edge distribution with a lot of customization options, then Fedora is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a stable and easy-to-use distribution, then Fedora may not be the best choice for you.
Here are some of the features of Fedora:
- It is based on the Linux kernel.
- It uses the GNOME desktop environment.
- It comes with a wide variety of software packages, including LibreOffice, Firefox, and GIMP.
- It is regularly updated with the latest software.
- It is a free and open-source operating system.
GNOME (/ɡəˈnoʊm/), originally an acronym for GNU Network Object Model Environment, is a free and open-source desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems. It was started on 15 August 1997 by Miguel de Icaza and Federico Mena as a free software project to develop a desktop environment and applications for it.
GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments for Linux distributions. It is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and focus on usability. GNOME is also very customizable, so you can tailor it to your own needs.
Here are some of the features of GNOME:
- It is a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems.
- It is based on the GTK+ toolkit.
- It uses the Wayland display server protocol.
- It comes with a wide variety of applications, including a web browser, a file manager, a text editor, and a photo viewer.
- It is regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.
- It is a free and open-source software.
If you are looking for a desktop environment that is simple, easy to use, and customizable, then GNOME is a good choice. It is a well-maintained and supported project, and it is used by a large community of users.
Here are some of the benefits of using GNOME:
- Simplicity: GNOME is a very simple desktop environment to use. It is designed to be easy to learn and use, even for first-time users.
- Ease of use: GNOME is very easy to use. The interface is very intuitive, and the applications are well-designed.
- Customization: GNOME is very customizable. You can change the look and feel of the desktop, as well as the behavior of the applications.
- Support: GNOME is a well-supported desktop environment. There is a large community of users and developers who are available to help you if you need it.
- Free and open-source: GNOME is a free and open-source software. This means that you can use it for free, and you can also contribute to its development.
If you are looking for a desktop environment that is simple, easy to use, customizable, and supported, then GNOME is a good choice.
The default desktop environment for Fedora is GNOME. GNOME is a free and open-source desktop environment that is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and focus on usability. GNOME is also very customizable, so you can tailor it to your own needs.
KDE Plasma, Xfce, and LXQt are all alternative desktop environments that can be installed on Fedora. They offer different features and have different strengths and weaknesses.
KDE Plasma is a full-featured desktop environment that is known for its power and flexibility. It includes a wide variety of applications and features, and it can be customized to a great extent.
Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment that is known for its speed and efficiency. It is a good choice for older computers or for users who want a minimalist desktop environment.
LXQt is a lightweight desktop environment that is based on the Qt toolkit. It is a good choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use desktop environment.
Ultimately, the best desktop environment for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and flexible desktop environment, then KDE Plasma is a good choice. If you are looking for a lightweight and efficient desktop environment, then Xfce or LXQt are good choices.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between these four desktop environments:
| Desktop Environment | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| GNOME | Simplicity, ease of use, focus on usability | Can be a bit heavy on resources |
| KDE Plasma | Power, flexibility, wide range of features | Can be complex and difficult to configure |
| Xfce | Speed, efficiency, lightweight | Can be a bit bare-bones for some users |
| LXQt | Simple, easy to use, based on Qt toolkit | Not as many features as some other desktop environments |
he Fedora Project uses the GNU General Public License (GPL) for most of its software. The GPL is a free software license that allows you to use, modify, and redistribute software for any purpose. However, you must also share the source code of your modifications with others.
Some of the software in Fedora is licensed under the MIT License. The MIT License is also a free software license, but it does not require you to share the source code of your modifications.
The Fedora Project also uses a number of other licenses, such as the Lesser General Public License (LGPL) and the BSD License. These licenses are all free software licenses, but they have different terms and conditions.
You can find more information about the licenses used by Fedora on the Fedora Project website: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Licensing
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the GPL and the MIT License:
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| GPL | You must share the source code of your modifications with others. |
| MIT License | You do not need to share the source code of your modifications. |
The GNU General Public License (GPL), the Lesser General Public License (LGPL), the BSD License, and the MIT License are all free software licenses that are used to distribute software. However, there are some key differences between the four licenses.
The GPL is a copyleft license, which means that it requires that any derivative works of the software must also be licensed under the GPL. This ensures that the source code of all derivative works is always available to others.
The LGPL is a less restrictive license than the GPL. It allows you to link to LGPL-licensed libraries from software that is not licensed under the LGPL. This makes it easier to use LGPL-licensed libraries in proprietary software.
The BSD License (Berkeley Software Distribution license) is a permissive license, which means that it does not impose any restrictions on how the software can be used or modified. This makes it a good choice for software that you want to be widely used and distributed.
The MIT License (Massachusetts Institute of Technology License) is also a permissive license, but it is more restrictive than the BSD License. It requires that you keep the copyright notice and the original license unmodified in any derivative works.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the four licenses:
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| GPL | You must share the source code of your modifications with others, and any derivative works must also be licensed under the GPL. |
| LGPL | You must share the source code of your modifications with others, but you do not need to share the source code of the libraries that you link to. |
| BSD License | You can use, modify, and redistribute the software for any purpose. |
| MIT License | You can use, modify, and redistribute the software for any purpose, but you must keep the copyright notice and the original license unmodified. |
Clauses of each licenses are as below:
| License | Clauses |
|---|---|
| MIT License | Copyright notice, permission to use, copy, modify, and redistribute the software, requirement to include the original license in any derivative works |
| BSD License | Copyright notice, permission to use, copy, modify, and redistribute the software, disclaimer of warranty, limitation of liability |
| GPL License | Copyright notice, permission to use, copy, modify, and redistribute the software, requirement to distribute source code, requirement to license derivative works under the GPL |
| LGPL License | Copyright notice, permission to use, copy, modify, and redistribute the software, requirement to distribute source code for modified versions that are linked to LGPL-licensed libraries, requirement to license derivative works under the LGPL |
As of today, July 30, 2023, the current version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is RHEL 9.2. It was released on May 17, 2022.
RHEL 9.2 is a major release of RHEL, and it includes a number of new features and improvements. Some of the key new features in RHEL 9.2 include:
- A new kernel based on the Linux 5.14 kernel
- A new user interface based on GNOME 42
- Improved performance and stability
- New security features
If you are currently using RHEL 8, you can upgrade to RHEL 9.2 using the Red Hat Subscription Manager.
CentOS is no longer supported by Red Hat. The CentOS Project announced in December 2020 that it would be discontinuing the CentOS Linux distribution. The CentOS Project was founded in 2004 as a community-supported rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS was designed to be a free and open-source alternative to RHEL, and it was widely used by businesses and individuals.
However, in December 2020, Red Hat announced that it would be discontinuing the CentOS Linux distribution. Red Hat stated that it would be focusing its efforts on CentOS Stream, which is a rolling release distribution that is based on the latest version of RHEL. CentOS Stream is designed to be used by developers and testers, and it is not intended to be a stable distribution for production use.
As a result of Red Hat's decision, the CentOS Project announced that it would be creating a new distribution called CentOS Rocky Linux. Rocky Linux is designed to be a binary-compatible replacement for CentOS Linux, and it is intended to be a stable distribution for production use. Rocky Linux is currently in development, and it is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2022.
So, to answer your question, CentOS is no longer supported by Red Hat, and it does not receive the latest RHEL code. However, the CentOS Project is creating a new distribution called Rocky Linux, which is designed to be a binary-compatible replacement for CentOS Linux. Rocky Linux is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2022.
A binary-compatible replacement is a software distribution that is functionally equivalent to another software distribution, but it is not necessarily identical. Binary compatibility means that the two distributions can run the same binaries, or executable files. This means that you can install software that was compiled for CentOS on Rocky Linux, and it will work without any changes.
Binary compatibility is important for businesses and individuals who need to use software that is only available for CentOS. It also makes it easier to migrate from CentOS to Rocky Linux, as you do not need to recompile your software.
Here are some of the benefits of using a binary-compatible replacement:
- You can install software that was compiled for the original distribution on the replacement distribution.
- You can migrate from the original distribution to the replacement distribution without having to recompile your software.
- The replacement distribution is often more up-to-date than the original distribution.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using a binary-compatible replacement:
- The replacement distribution may not be as well-tested as the original distribution.
- The replacement distribution may not be supported by the original distribution's vendor.
- The replacement distribution may not be as customizable as the original distribution.
No, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is not open source. However, there are a number of open source distributions that are based on RHEL, such as CentOS and Rocky Linux. These distributions are free to use and modify, and they can be downloaded from the respective project websites.
The latest version of RHEL 9.2 is not available for download. However, you can download the source code for the previous version, RHEL 8.5, from the Red Hat website. The source code for RHEL 9.2 will be available once it is released.
If you are looking for a free and open source distribution that is based on RHEL, then I recommend CentOS or Rocky Linux. These distributions are well-supported and stable, and they offer a lot of the same features as RHEL.
Here are some of the benefits of using an open source distribution:
- They are free to use and modify.
- They are often more customizable than proprietary distributions.
- They have a large community of users and developers who can help you troubleshoot problems.
Here are some of the drawbacks of using an open source distribution:
- They may not be as well-supported as proprietary distributions.
- They may not be as secure as proprietary distributions.
- They may not be as easy to use as proprietary distributions.
But with CentOS no longer receiving RHEL code updates in the future, how can I access all the RHEL features?
You are correct, CentOS will no longer receive the latest RHEL code in the future. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are using all the RHEL features when you use CentOS:
- Use CentOS Stream: CentOS Stream is a rolling release distribution that is based on the latest version of RHEL. This means that CentOS Stream will always have the latest RHEL features, even if CentOS does not.
- Use a binary-compatible replacement: There are a number of binary-compatible replacements for CentOS, such as Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. These distributions are functionally equivalent to CentOS, and they will run the same binaries. This means that you can install software that was compiled for CentOS on these distributions, and it will work without any changes.
- Compile your own software: If you need to use software that is not available for CentOS, you can compile it yourself. This can be a bit of work, but it is the only way to ensure that you are using the latest RHEL features.
Ultimately, the best way to make sure you are using all the RHEL features when you use CentOS depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you need to use the latest RHEL features, then you should use CentOS Stream or a binary-compatible replacement. If you are willing to compile your own software, then you can use any distribution, including CentOS.
Yes, Rocky Linux will take code from CentOS Stream. Rocky Linux is a binary-compatible replacement for CentOS, and it is designed to be a stable distribution for production use. CentOS Stream is a rolling release distribution that is based on the latest version of RHEL. This means that CentOS Stream will always have the latest RHEL features, and Rocky Linux will be able to take advantage of these features.
Rocky Linux will not be a direct clone of CentOS Stream, however. The Rocky Linux development team will be able to make changes to the code as needed to ensure that Rocky Linux is stable and reliable. For example, the Rocky Linux development team may choose to backport some features from RHEL to CentOS Stream, or they may choose to make changes to the packaging system to make it easier to manage updates.
Overall, Rocky Linux will be a stable and reliable distribution that is based on the latest RHEL features. If you are looking for a CentOS replacement, then Rocky Linux is a great option.
No, you cannot get Red Hat support on Rocky Linux in the future. Red Hat does not offer support for Rocky Linux, as it is not an official Red Hat product. However, there are a number of other companies that offer support for Rocky Linux, such as:
- Miracle Linux: Miracle Linux is a company that offers support for Rocky Linux. They offer a variety of support plans, including 24/7 support and on-site support.
- Rocky Linux Foundation: The Rocky Linux Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the development of Rocky Linux. They offer a variety of support plans, including community support and commercial support.
- OSIsoft: OSIsoft is a company that offers support for Rocky Linux. They offer a variety of support plans, including 24/7 support and on-site support.
Ultimately, the best way to get support for Rocky Linux depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you need 24/7 support or on-site support, then you should consider a commercial support plan from a company like Miracle Linux or OSIsoft. If you are on a budget, then you may want to consider community support from the Rocky Linux Foundation.
Wait, you mentioned I can download RHEL 8 code, but isn't it open-source? What license does RHEL use? GPL, MIT, or BSD?
You are correct, you can download the source code for RHEL 8. However, Red Hat does not release the source code under an open source license. This means that you can download the source code, but you cannot modify it or redistribute it without permission from Red Hat.
Red Hat uses a proprietary license for RHEL. This means that Red Hat retains the copyright to the source code, and you cannot use it without permission. The proprietary license for RHEL is not as permissive as an open source license, such as the GPL or the MIT license.
If you are looking for an open source distribution that is based on RHEL, then I recommend CentOS or Rocky Linux. These distributions are based on the RHEL source code, but they are released under an open source license. This means that you can modify and redistribute the source code without permission from Red Hat.
Here is a table that summarizes the differences between open source and proprietary licenses:
| License Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Open source | The source code is freely available to anyone. You can modify and redistribute the source code without permission from the copyright holder. |
| Proprietary | The source code is not freely available to anyone. You must obtain permission from the copyright holder to modify or redistribute the source code. |
Not necessarily. The GPL (General Public License) is a copyleft license, which means that any derivative works of GPL-licensed software must also be licensed under the GPL. However, this does not apply to the entire RHEL distribution. Only the parts of RHEL that are derived from Fedora are GPL-licensed. The other parts of RHEL, such as the kernel and the core libraries, are not GPL-licensed.
This is because Red Hat makes use of the "binary compatibility exception" in the GPL. The binary compatibility exception allows you to distribute a binary-compatible version of a GPL-licensed program without also distributing the source code, as long as you comply with certain requirements.
In the case of RHEL, Red Hat complies with the binary compatibility exception by providing a way for users to download the source code for the GPL-licensed parts of RHEL. However, Red Hat does not require users to distribute the source code for their own derivative works of RHEL.
This is a controversial issue, and there are some people who believe that Red Hat is abusing the binary compatibility exception. However, Red Hat maintains that it is complying with the GPL, and there is no legal precedent to suggest otherwise.
Seeking to understand how things work. Could you explain what the Binary Compatibility Exception is?
The binary compatibility exception is a provision in the General Public License (GPL) that allows you to distribute a binary-compatible version of a GPL-licensed program without also distributing the source code, as long as you comply with certain requirements.
The binary compatibility exception is necessary because it would be impractical to require that the source code for every binary-compatible version of a GPL-licensed program be distributed. This is because binary-compatible versions of GPL-licensed programs are often created by third parties, and it would be difficult for the copyright holder to track down all of these third parties and require them to distribute the source code.
The requirements for complying with the binary compatibility exception are as follows:
- You must provide a way for users to download the source code for the GPL-licensed parts of the program.
- You must include a notice in the binary-compatible version of the program that informs users that the source code is available for download.
- You must not prevent users from redistributing the binary-compatible version of the program.
If you comply with these requirements, then you are not violating the GPL by distributing a binary-compatible version of a GPL-licensed program without also distributing the source code.
The binary compatibility exception is a controversial provision, and there are some people who believe that it is too permissive. However, the GPL is a complex license, and the binary compatibility exception is one of the ways that the GPL strikes a balance between the rights of the copyright holder and the rights of users.
Fedora is a software testbed for Red Hat and not meant for enterprise level stability.
A software testbed is a physical or virtual environment that is used to test software. It is a controlled environment where software can be tested without affecting other systems or data.
A software testbed typically includes the following:
- Hardware: The hardware in a software testbed can vary depending on the needs of the software being tested. However, it typically includes a computer, a network, and any other hardware that the software needs to run.
- Software: The software in a software testbed includes the software being tested, as well as any other software that is needed to test the software. This could include test tools, automation tools, and other software that is used to control the test environment.
- Data: The data in a software testbed includes the data that is used to test the software. This could include test data, reference data, and any other data that is needed to test the software.
The purpose of a software testbed is to provide a controlled environment where software can be tested without affecting other systems or data. This allows testers to focus on testing the software and to ensure that it works as expected.
Here are some of the benefits of using a software testbed:
- Controlled environment: A software testbed provides a controlled environment where software can be tested without affecting other systems or data. This helps to ensure that the results of the tests are accurate and repeatable.
- Flexibility: A software testbed can be configured to meet the specific needs of the software being tested. This allows testers to test the software in a variety of environments and to simulate different scenarios.
- Reproducibility: The results of tests that are run in a software testbed can be easily reproduced. This allows testers to share the results of the tests with other testers and to ensure that the results are accurate.
No, CentOS is not GPL or MIT. CentOS is a binary-compatible rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), and it is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 with a "binary compatibility exception". This means that you can use CentOS to create a new operating system, but you must distribute the source code for your new operating system under the GPLv2. You cannot sell CentOS or your new operating system without permission from Red Hat.
If you want to create a new operating system that you can sell, you should use an open source license that allows you to sell the software, such as the MIT license or the BSD license.
Here is a table that summarizes the different licenses that CentOS uses:
| License | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception | You can use CentOS to create a new operating system, but you must distribute the source code for your new operating system under the GPLv2. You cannot sell CentOS or your new operating system without permission from Red Hat. |
| MIT license | You can use the MIT-licensed code in CentOS for any purpose, including commercial use. You do not need to distribute the source code for your new operating system. |
| BSD license | You can use the BSD-licensed code in CentOS for any purpose, including commercial use. You do not need to distribute the source code for your new operating system. |
Will Rocky Linux be open-source, community-driven, and prevent selling? Tell me more about Rocky Linux, its license, how it is connected to CentOS, and its availability to the public.
Rocky Linux is a community-driven project that is based on the source code of CentOS. The Rocky Linux project was created in response to Red Hat's decision to discontinue the CentOS Linux distribution. Rocky Linux is licensed under the GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception, which means that it is free to use and redistribute, but the source code must be made available if you redistribute the software.
Rocky Linux is not sold to the public. It is a free and open source operating system that is available for anyone to download and use. The Rocky Linux project is funded by donations from individuals and organizations.
Here are some of the key features of Rocky Linux:
- It is based on the source code of CentOS, so it is compatible with CentOS applications and packages.
- It is a binary-compatible rebuild of CentOS, so it can be used as a drop-in replacement for CentOS.
- It is a community-driven project, so it is developed and maintained by a team of volunteers.
- It is free to use and redistribute, and the source code is available for anyone to review and modify.
If you are looking for a free and open source operating system that is based on the source code of CentOS, then Rocky Linux is a good option. It is a stable and reliable operating system that is supported by a community of volunteers.
Yes, Red Hat offers a no-cost Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals. This subscription allows you to download and use Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for development purposes. It also includes access to the Red Hat Developer Program, which offers a variety of benefits, such as:
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Portal: The Red Hat Developer Portal is a website that provides developers with access to documentation, tools, and resources.
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Forums: The Red Hat Developer Forums are a community forum where developers can ask questions and get help from other developers.
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Sandbox: The Red Hat Developer Sandbox is a cloud-based environment where developers can test and develop applications.
To be eligible for a Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an individual developer.
- You must not be employed by a company that is already a Red Hat customer.
- You must agree to the Red Hat Developer Subscription Terms and Conditions.
To apply for a Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals, visit the Red Hat website.
Here are some of the benefits of a Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals:
- Free access to RHEL: You can download and use RHEL for development purposes.
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Program: You get access to a variety of benefits, such as documentation, tools, and resources.
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Forums: You can ask questions and get help from other developers.
- Access to the Red Hat Developer Sandbox: You can test and develop applications in a cloud-based environment.
If you are an individual developer, then I recommend that you apply for a Red Hat Developer Subscription for Individuals. It is a free way to get access to RHEL and a variety of other benefits.
Rocky Linux was created by Greg Kurtzer, one of the co-founders of CentOS. Kurtzer announced the creation of Rocky Linux in December 2020, in response to Red Hat's decision to discontinue the CentOS Linux distribution.
Rocky Linux is a binary-compatible rebuild of CentOS, and it is licensed under the GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception. This means that it is free to use and redistribute, but the source code must be made available if you redistribute the software.
Rocky Linux is not sold to the public. It is a free and open source operating system that is available for anyone to download and use. The Rocky Linux project is funded by donations from individuals and organizations.
Here are some of the key features of Rocky Linux:
- It is based on the source code of CentOS, so it is compatible with CentOS applications and packages.
- It is a binary-compatible rebuild of CentOS, so it can be used as a drop-in replacement for CentOS.
- It is a community-driven project, so it is developed and maintained by a team of volunteers.
- It is free to use and redistribute, and the source code is available for anyone to review and modify.
If you are looking for a free and open source operating system that is based on the source code of CentOS, then Rocky Linux is a good option. It is a stable and reliable operating system that is supported by a community of volunteers.
The name "Rocky Linux" was chosen in honor of Rocky McGaugh, one of the co-founders of CentOS. McGaugh was a passionate advocate for open source software, and he was instrumental in the development of CentOS.
The name "Rocky" also reflects the Rocky Linux project's commitment to stability and reliability. Rocky Mountains are known for their strength and endurance, and the Rocky Linux project aims to create an operating system that is just as strong and reliable.
Here are some of the reasons why the name "Rocky Linux" was chosen:
- It is a tribute to Rocky McGaugh, one of the co-founders of CentOS.
- It reflects the Rocky Linux project's commitment to stability and reliability.
- It is a short, easy-to-remember name.
- It is a unique name that is not already in use by another operating system.
The name "Rocky Linux" was chosen by the Rocky Linux project team after careful consideration. The team felt that the name was a good fit for the project, and it was unanimously approved.
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AlmaLinux: AlmaLinux is a community-driven project that is based on the source code of CentOS. It is a binary-compatible rebuild of CentOS, so it can be used as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. AlmaLinux is licensed under the GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception, which means that it is free to use and redistribute, but the source code must be made available if you redistribute the software.
AlmaLinux operating system
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Rocky Linux: Rocky Linux is another community-driven project that is based on the source code of CentOS. It is a binary-compatible rebuild of CentOS, so it can be used as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. Rocky Linux is licensed under the GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception, which means that it is free to use and redistribute, but the source code must be made available if you redistribute the software.
Rocky Linux operating system
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Oracle Linux: Oracle Linux is a commercial distribution of Linux that is based on the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Oracle Linux is fully compatible with RHEL, and it is supported by Oracle.
Oracle Linux operating system
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Scientific Linux: Scientific Linux is a community-driven project that is based on the source code of RHEL. It is a binary-compatible rebuild of RHEL, so it can be used as a drop-in replacement for RHEL. Scientific Linux is licensed under the GPLv2 with binary compatibility exception, which means that it is free to use and redistribute, but the source code must be made available if you redistribute the software.
Scientific Linux operating system
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Fedora: Fedora is a community-driven distribution of Linux that is sponsored by Red Hat. Fedora is a rolling release distribution, which means that it is constantly being updated with new features and bug fixes. Fedora is not as stable as CentOS, but it is a good choice for users who want to be on the cutting edge of Linux technology.
Fedora operating system
These are just a few of the alternatives to CentOS. There are many other distributions available, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.