AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution

This guide aims to explore the differences between AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution. Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux) derivatives, created to fill the void left by the shift in CentOS’s development model. If you’re unsure which distribution best suits your needs, this comparison on AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution will provide clarity.

We’ll begin by introducing each distribution, including their origins and release dates. Follow along to gain a comprehensive understanding of AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution.

Step 1 – What is AlmaLinux Distribution?

AlmaLinux is a free and open-source Linux distribution forked from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CloudLinux Inc. developed it, releasing the first stable version in March 2021. It quickly gained popularity as a viable replacement for CentOS 8 stream, offering a stable and predictable platform.

AlmaLinux Desktop View — AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution

For a deeper dive into AlmaLinux, you can explore the guide on Introducing AlmaLinux As a Replacement for CentOS.

Step 2 – What is Rocky Linux Distribution?

Rocky Linux is another open-source enterprise Linux distribution designed as a community-supported alternative to CentOS. The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation develops it, with the first general availability release in June 2021. Like AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux is intended to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS.

Rocky Linux Desktop View — AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution

While both distributions share the common goal of providing a CentOS alternative, they possess distinct characteristics. Let’s delve into their features and differences.

Step 3 – AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Features and Differences

This section details the key distinctions and features of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, helping you decide which RHEL derivative is right for you in the context of AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution.

The Architecture of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux distributions are based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux or RHEL. The latest versions of AlmaLinux have support for x86-64, ARM64, ppc64le, and s390x architectures. And latest versions of Rocky Linux have support for x86-64-v2, ARM64, ppc64le, and s390x architectures.

AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux Release Cycles

Both distributions have a life cycle and update for each version. These distros attempt to release regular updates within 1 business day from RHEL. Each release, like RHEL, comes with a 10-year lifecycle. Major releases are typically available within a few weeks to a few months following a major RHEL release.

The latest Rocky Linux 8 was released on 21 Jun 2021 and it ends on 31 May 2024. Also, the latest Rocky Linux 9 was released on 14 Jul 2022 and it ends on 31 May 2032.

The latest AlmaLinux 8 was released on 30 Mar 2021 and it ends on 01 May 2024. Also, for AlmaLinux 9 that is released on 26 May 2022, it ends on 31 May 2027.

Kernel-Version on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

At this point, we want to talk about the performance and kernel version. Both distributions are the same in performance and kernel version. The latest release of Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux comes with kernel version 5.14. This kernel version improved the security, SELinux performance, and user authentication logs on both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

Stability and Support

After the AlamLinux and Rocky Linux were introduced as a replacement for Cento’s stream, many users didn’t trust these distros at first. When the release updates come and fix the bugs, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux get the user’s trust in stable operating systems.

Also, many organizations such as Nvidia, Google Cloud, Dell, Liquid Web, and others certify their apps on these distributions, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux have many supports.

Package Manager on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

The default package manager that is used on AlmaLinux is DNF. It is used for the management process such as updating, installing, and removing packages. DNF is an updated version of YUM that is used on Centos’s stream.

Also, you can visit this guide on Differences between YUM and DNF package managers, to get more information.

And in the Rocky Linux OS, the default package is DNF or RPM. As you know, the RPM packages are used in RHEL-based distributions.

To know how to work with RPM on RHEL-Based distros, you can check this guide on Use RPM Packages on RHEL.

Security Features on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux

At this point, we can say that the main difference between these distributions is in security features. AlmaLinux has a CIS (Center for Internet Security) Benchmark for system security. Also, AlmaLinux comes with a feature tool OpenSCAP that automatically checks the system for vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, Rocky Linux has a security system SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux) with kernel version 2.6.

AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux Repositories

These two RHEL distros have three main repositories by default.

The other repositories must be enabled manually on AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

Now let’s see an overview of the key features of the two distributions in the following table:

Title	AlmaLinux	Rocky Linux
First Release	March 2021	June 2021
Created By	CloudLinux	Former CentOS founder Gregory Kurtzer
Release Cycle	10 Years	10 Years
System Base	RHEL	RHEL
Security	CIS (Center for Internet Security) Benchmark.	SELinux (Security Enhanced Linux)
Architecture	x86-64, ARM64, ppc64le, and s390x.	x86-64-v2, ARM64, ppc64le, and s390x.
Package Manager	DNF	DNF o RPM
Repositories	BaseOS, AppStream, and Extras.	BaseOS, AppStream, and Extras.
Latest Kernel-Version	kernel version 5.14	kernel version 5.14
Stability and Support	Around 8 years	Around 8 years
Funding	$1M from CloudLinx and support from other sponsors.	$26M by CIQ

AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution

Step 4 – Which one to Choose? AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?

As we saw these amazing 1:1 RHEL-based distributions are the best replacement for Cento’s stream. Because the system performance and key features are the same way, you can choose the one that is best for your needs and more comfortable with it.

We recommend testing both of them and selecting the one you are interested in. You can find amazing guides and articles in AlmaLinux Tutorials and Rocky Linux Tutorials that you can use to know more about these distributions and different installations and configurations of apps and software.

Conclusion

At this point, you have learned what is AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux and understand the key differences and features of them. Based on the comparison made, you can choose the one you are interested in. Hope you enjoy this guide on AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux – Choose Better Distribution. Need any Help? Comment For Us.

Alternative Solutions

While AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux provide excellent RHEL-based alternatives, other approaches exist for users seeking similar functionality or addressing the CentOS EOL situation. Here are two alternatives:

1. Using a Containerized Environment with RHEL UBI Images

Instead of migrating entire systems to a different distribution, consider using containerization technology like Docker or Podman with Red Hat’s Universal Base Images (UBI). UBI images are free to use and redistribute, even in commercial applications. They provide a lightweight, secure, and consistent environment for running applications. This approach isolates your applications from the underlying operating system, reducing the impact of distribution changes and simplifying dependency management.

Explanation:

Reduced Migration Effort: Containerizing applications isolates them from the host OS. You only need to containerize the application itself instead of migrating the entire server.
Dependency Management: Containers bundle all necessary dependencies, ensuring consistency across different environments (development, testing, production).
Security: Containers offer a level of isolation, preventing applications from interfering with each other and the host OS.
Flexibility: You can easily move containers between different host systems or cloud providers.
UBI Benefits: Red Hat’s UBI images are designed for enterprise use, offering a stable and well-maintained base image.

Code Example (Dockerfile):

FROM registry.access.redhat.com/ubi8/ubi:latest

# Set the working directory
WORKDIR /app

# Copy the application files
COPY . /app

# Install dependencies (example: Python)
RUN dnf install -y python3 python3-pip
RUN pip3 install --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt

# Expose the application port (if needed)
EXPOSE 8080

# Run the application
CMD ["python3", "app.py"]

Explanation of Dockerfile:

FROM registry.access.redhat.com/ubi8/ubi:latest: Specifies the base image, in this case, the latest UBI 8 image from Red Hat.
WORKDIR /app: Sets the working directory inside the container.
COPY . /app: Copies the application files from the host to the container.
RUN dnf install -y python3 python3-pip: Installs Python and pip using the DNF package manager (common in RHEL-based systems).
RUN pip3 install --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt: Installs Python dependencies from a requirements.txt file.
EXPOSE 8080: Exposes port 8080 for the application.
CMD ["python3", "app.py"]: Defines the command to run the application.

To build and run the container:

docker build -t my-app .
docker run -p 8080:8080 my-app

2. Using Fedora Server as a Development/Testing Platform with Production on RHEL/CloudLinux

Another approach is to leverage Fedora Server as a cutting-edge development and testing environment while deploying to a more stable and supported platform like RHEL or CloudLinux (which is behind AlmaLinux) in production. Fedora provides the latest software packages and technologies, allowing developers to experiment and innovate. Once the application is stable and ready for production, it can be deployed on RHEL or CloudLinux for long-term support and stability.