◦ Security rich
◦ Built to spec
Linux → AlmaLinux
What is AlmaLinux?
When it comes to running a reliable, secure server, choosing the right operating system is just as important as picking the right hosting plan. You’ve probably heard of Linux, but did you know there are different versions designed for different needs?
One name that keeps popping up—especially among businesses and web hosts—is AlmaLinux. But what exactly is it, and why are so many people making the switch? Let’s break it down.
What is AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, enterprise-grade Linux distribution designed to be a stable, drop-in replacement for CentOS, backed by the community and the AlmaLinux OS Foundation. It offers a stable and secure platform tailored for enterprise-level applications.
AlmaLinux adheres closely to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) standards, providing users with a reliable operating system. With its long-term support and compatibility, AlmaLinux is a popular choice for businesses that need a free and dependable solution, that can still integrate into their server environments.
Features and benefits
AlmaLinux is commonly used by businesses, web hosting providers, and developers who need a stable, enterprise-grade Linux distribution for servers, especially as a replacement for CentOS. Here’s why:
- Binary compatibility with RHEL – AlmaLinux is known for its binary compatibility with RHEL, ensuring a smooth migration without compatibility or performance issues. This makes it a reliable choice for enterprises and developers.
- Stability – AlmaLinux focuses on long-term support. This stability is important for production environments that rely on uptime and … reliability. The operating system can handle demanding workloads without compromising performance.
- Regular updates – AlmaLinux is regularly updated with new features and security patches to take advantage of the latest technology, while maintaining system security.
- Community – Users participate in discussions and contribute to the ongoing development of the platform.
The AlmaLinux origin story
AlmaLinux was created in response to Red Hat’s announcement that CentOS would shift to a rolling-release model. Recognizing the need for a stable, enterprise-grade distribution, developers and community members formed the AlmaLinux Foundation with support from CloudLinux. AlmaLinux launched in March 2021 and quickly gained traction among users seeking continuity.
The AlmaLinux Foundation operates under a transparent governance model, welcoming community contributions and ensuring the project remains free and open-source. AlmaLinux has seen rapid adoption and growth, solidifying its reputation as a trustworthy platform for developers and system administrators.
Use cases: Who should use AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is designed for a variety of use cases due to its compatibility with RHEL.
- Businesses and organizations relying on stable, enterprise-grade servers benefit from Alma’s solid performance and long-term support. It ensures that critical applications run smoothly and securely, making it suitable for hosting websites, managing databases, and running complex applications.
- Developers and DevOps professionals appreciate AlmaLinux for its ease of use and compatibility with existing tools. It is ideal for containerized environments and can be used as a base image for Docker containers, ensuring consistent performance across development and production stages.
- Educational institutions and research organizations often utilize AlmaLinux as a free and open-source alternative to RHEL. Extensive documentation and community support facilitate a smooth learning curve.
- System admins who need a dependable OS for their cloud infrastructure generally find AlmaLinux to be an excellent choice, due to its predictable updates and security patches.
AlmaLinux repositories
AlmaLinux offers a robust set of repositories that provide access to a wide range of software packages.
- BaseOS – The primary repository is the BaseOS repository, containing essential system packages.
- AppStream – This repository includes additional packages and applications not part of the core operating system.
Using AlmaLinux repositories is straightforward with the built-in package manager, DNF, which allows users to search for, install, and update software. The community actively maintains these repositories, ensuring they remain up to date and secure.
For users running AlmaLinux on managed hosting solutions, accessing these repositories is streamlined, allowing you to focus on projects without worrying about server management.
AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are both alternatives to CentOS, designed to be binary-compatible with RHEL, but there are some key differences.
- Backing and sponsorship – AlmaLinux is backed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, with financial and infrastructure support from industry sponsors like CloudLinux. Rocky Linux, on the other hand, is led by the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF) and focuses on being a true community-driven project.
- Support and long-term viability – AlmaLinux has strong corporate backing, which helps ensure long-term stability and support. Rocky Linux emphasizes independence and community governance, which appeals to users who prefer a fully community-controlled OS.
- Release and update cycle – Both distros aim for quick, synchronized updates with RHEL, but AlmaLinux has historically released updates slightly faster, making it a good choice for users who need rapid security patches and stability.
- Migration and tooling – AlmaLinux provides a variety of migration tools to help users easily switch from CentOS or other RHEL-based distributions. While Rocky Linux also offers migration tools, AlmaLinux has been more proactive in promoting and refining them for smoother transitions.
- Enterprise and cloud readiness – AlmaLinux has broader partnerships with cloud providers and enterprise software vendors, making it a preferred choice for businesses that need seamless cloud integration and commercial support. Rocky Linux, while also enterprise-ready, places a stronger emphasis on grassroots community involvement.
Both distributions offer similar installation processes and compatibility with existing CentOS applications. The choice between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux often depends on user preference regarding community support, governance, and future development. Both distributions are strong contenders in the Linux ecosystem, offering viable paths for users transitioning from CentOS.
AlmaLinux vs CentOS
If AlmaLinux was developed as a CentOS alternative, you may be thinking, what makes it different? So glad you asked:
- Support model – CentOS, in its original form, was a downstream rebuild of RHEL, but CentOS 8 was discontinued in favor of CentOS Stream, which now functions as an upstream, rolling-release version of RHEL. In contrast, AlmaLinux is a true downstream RHEL clone, providing a stable, production-ready OS with long-term support.
- Stability vs. rolling releases – CentOS Stream continuously updates ahead of RHEL, meaning it receives changes before they are fully tested in RHEL. AlmaLinux, however, follows the traditional CentOS model by releasing fully tested, stable versions after RHEL updates, making it better suited for production servers.
- Security and updates – Since CentOS Stream receives updates before RHEL, it may introduce changes that aren’t fully vetted, potentially causing stability concerns. AlmaLinux prioritizes stability and security, ensuring that patches and updates are thoroughly tested before release.
- Long-term support (LTS) – AlmaLinux follows RHEL’s lifecycle, offering 10 years of support per major release, including security patches and bug fixes. CentOS Stream does not guarantee the same level of long-term support, making it less ideal for enterprises that need predictability.
- Community vs. industry backing – Red Hat fully controls CentOS, meaning its direction depends on Red Hat’s priorities. However, the independent AlmaLinux OS Foundation maintains Alma, with contributions from the community and corporate sponsors, ensuring long-term commitment to enterprise users.
AlmaLinux for server operations
AlmaLinux provides a stable, secure, and high-performance operating system for server operations. As a direct replacement for CentOS, it offers a seamless transition for users seeking a reliable and cost-effective alternative. AlmaLinux’s long-term support ensures organizations can rely on it for critical workloads without fear of sudden changes or discontinuation.
It offers a robust environment supporting a wide range of applications, making it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes. Built on principles of stability and security, AlmaLinux is ideal for maintaining the integrity of server operations. Regular updates and security patches enable system administrators to keep environments secure and up to date.
AlmaLinux’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation simplify server management tasks, allowing teams to deploy, configure, and manage servers efficiently. By choosing AlmaLinux for server operations, organizations benefit from a powerful, community-supported solution that meets current needs and scales as they grow.
Getting started with AlmaLinux for server management
AlmaLinux offers a stable and secure environment for server management, designed to be 1:1 compatible with RHEL. This reliability ensures seamless integration with existing systems and applications. Long-term support and frequent updates make it an excellent choice for hosting websites, databases, and applications.
To get started, download the latest version from the official AlmaLinux website or through a trusted repository. Or, if you’re spinning up a new server, find a reputable hosting provider that offers AlmaLinux installation on a VPS or dedicated server.
And that’s where Liquid Web comes in. We offer the industry’s fastest and most secure VPS servers, as well as top-performant dedicated servers, with multiple Linux distros.
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AlmaLinux FAQ
Is AlmaLinux Red Hat?
No, AlmaLinux is not Red Hat. It is a community-driven, open-source operating system designed as a drop-in replacement for CentOS. Launched in March 2021, AlmaLinux provides a stable, free, and open-source alternative to CentOS, especially after CentOS’s shift to CentOS Stream. While AlmaLinux maintains binary compatibility with RHEL, it operates independently of Red Hat.
What is AlmaLinux based on?
AlmaLinux is based on the source code of RHEL, inheriting the same stability and performance characteristics. This foundation allows users to seamlessly migrate from CentOS or RHEL to AlmaLinux without significant adjustments to applications or infrastructure.
Developed and maintained by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, the goal is to ensure users have access to a reliable and secure platform for server and cloud applications.
Additional resources
What is Linux? →
A beginner’s guide to Linux, pros and cons, popular distributions, and more
How to install Git on AlmaLinux →
Get step-by-step instructions for two different methods.
VPS vs dedicated servers →
Similarities and differences, advantages and challenges, so you can decide what you need