De-Risk Your IT Strategy with TDWS High-Performance Cloud
8 February 2023
Why an LMS is Essential for Selling Courses Online
20 February 2023
CentOS and AlmaLinux are two of the most popular open-source operating systems based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS has long been a favourite of developers and system administrators due to its stability, performance, and community support. However, with the recent announcement from Red Hat that it will no longer be providing updates for CentOS 8, many users have been left searching for a suitable alternative. AlmaLinux, a community-led project, has emerged as a potential contender in this space.
In this blog post, we will compare the features, capabilities, and suitability of CentOS and AlmaLinux to help you determine which distribution is right for your needs. We’ll also provide guidance on the migration process if you’re currently using CentOS and looking to switch to AlmaLinux.
Background on CentOS and AlmaLinux
CentOS/CentOS Stream
CentOS, which stands for Community Enterprise Operating System, is a free and open-source Linux distribution based on the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). It was created in 2004 and has since become a popular choice for organizations and individuals looking for a stable, reliable, and secure operating system. CentOS has a close relationship with RHEL and often serves as a testing ground for new features and packages before they are released in RHEL.
In December 2020, Red Hat announced that it was shifting its focus away from CentOS, and instead, it will provide CentOS Stream as the upstream source of RHEL. This change means that CentOS 8, the latest version of CentOS, will no longer receive updates after December 31, 2021. This announcement has led to many users searching for alternatives to CentOS, and AlmaLinux has emerged as a potential replacement.
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is a new community-led project that aims to provide a 1:1 binary-compatible alternative to CentOS. It was created by CloudLinux, a company that provides commercial Linux operating systems for web hosting providers. AlmaLinux’s mission is to provide a free and open-source operating system that can serve as a drop-in replacement for CentOS, with long-term support and predictable release cycles. The project was launched in early 2021, and it has already gained significant momentum in the open-source community.
Features and Capabilities: Comparing CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux
When it comes to comparing the features and capabilities of CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux, there are several key areas to consider.
Package versions: One of the primary differences between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux is the package versions they offer. CentOS Stream, as the upstream source for RHEL, offers bleeding-edge packages and features. AlmaLinux, on the other hand, aims to provide a stable, enterprise-grade operating system that is 1:1 binary compatible with CentOS. As a result, AlmaLinux may not have the latest packages, but it does have long-term support and predictable release cycles.
Software availability: Another factor to consider is software availability. Both distributions offer a wide range of software packages, but some packages may not be available on one distribution or the other. For example, CentOS Stream may have more bleeding-edge software, but it may not have some enterprise-grade packages that are available on AlmaLinux.
Update mechanisms: The update mechanisms of CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux are also different. CentOS Stream provides updates on a rolling basis, meaning that users will receive the latest updates and packages as they become available. AlmaLinux, on the other hand, provides updates on a fixed release cycle, which means that users can plan for updates and upgrades in advance.
Ultimately, the choice between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux will depend on your specific needs and use cases. If you require bleeding-edge features and packages, CentOS Stream may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize stability, long-term support, and predictable release cycles, then AlmaLinux may be the better choice.
Performance and Stability
When comparing CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux, performance and stability are critical factors to consider.
Performance: CentOS Stream offers a more bleeding-edge experience, providing the latest features and packages. However, this can also mean that it may be less stable than AlmaLinux, especially if you are using it in a production environment. In comparison, AlmaLinux is designed to provide a stable and reliable operating system that is 1:1 binary compatible with CentOS, making it an excellent choice for enterprise-grade workloads.
To compare the performance of CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux, several benchmarks can be used. These benchmarks can test different aspects of the operating system, such as CPU performance, memory usage, and disk I/O. In general, CentOS Stream may perform better in benchmarks that require the latest features and packages, while AlmaLinux may perform better in benchmarks that prioritize stability and reliability.
Stability: When it comes to stability, AlmaLinux is designed to provide a stable and reliable operating system that can be used in enterprise-grade workloads. AlmaLinux aims to provide a drop-in replacement for CentOS, with long-term support and predictable release cycles. This can be especially important in enterprise environments, where stability and reliability are essential.
Real-world usage scenarios can also provide valuable insights into the performance and stability of CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux. For example, if you are running a critical workload that requires the latest features and packages, CentOS Stream may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you are running a mission-critical workload that requires stability and reliability, AlmaLinux may be the better choice.
The choice between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux will depend on your specific needs and use cases. If you prioritize performance and the latest features, CentOS Stream may be the better choice. However, if you require stability, long-term support, and predictable release cycles, then AlmaLinux may be the better choice.
Community Support and Documentation
When comparing CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux, it’s important to consider the level of community support and documentation available for each operating system.
Community Support: CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux both have a strong and active community of users and developers. However, CentOS Stream has a larger user base, as it has been around for longer than AlmaLinux. This can mean that there is a larger pool of resources available for CentOS Stream, including online forums, user groups, and documentation.
AlmaLinux is relatively new, having been released in March 2021, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It has an active community of users and developers who are working to provide support and resources for the operating system. However, the community support available for AlmaLinux may not be as extensive as that of CentOS Stream.
Documentation: Both CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux have official documentation available on their respective websites. The documentation provides guidance on installing and configuring the operating system, as well as troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to official documentation, there are also third-party resources available for both operating systems. These resources can include user-created tutorials, blogs, and forums. In general, CentOS Stream has a larger pool of third-party resources available due to its long history and larger user base. CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux have strong and active communities of users and developers, as well as official documentation available. While CentOS Stream has a larger user base and a wider range of third-party resources, AlmaLinux is quickly gaining popularity and is actively working to provide support and resources for its users.
Use Cases
When considering CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux, it’s important to think about your specific use case and which distribution may be more suitable for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Enterprise vs Personal Use: CentOS Stream is a good choice for enterprise use, as it is the upstream testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), which is widely used in enterprise environments. CentOS Stream is designed to be a stable and reliable operating system that can be used for mission-critical applications.
AlmaLinux is also suitable for enterprise use, as it is designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS, which was previously a popular choice for enterprise environments. However, AlmaLinux is also suitable for personal use, as it provides a free and open-source alternative to CentOS.
Security Needs: Both CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux are designed with security in mind. However, since CentOS Stream is the upstream testing ground for RHEL, security updates for RHEL are usually released before they are released for CentOS Stream. This means that if you have very specific security needs, RHEL may be a better choice.
Application Compatibility: When considering which distribution to use, it’s important to think about which applications you will be running. CentOS Stream is more likely to have the latest software versions available, which can be important if you are running the latest applications. However, if you are running older applications, you may want to consider using AlmaLinux, as it is designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS, which was known for its stability and compatibility.
The choice between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux will depend on your specific use case and needs. CentOS Stream is a good choice for enterprise use and those who need the latest software versions, while AlmaLinux is a good choice for those who value stability and compatibility with older applications. Both distributions are designed with security in mind and have strong communities of users and developers.
Conclusion
| CentOS Stream | AlmaLinux | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Upstream testing ground for RHEL | 100% community-owned RHEL fork |
| Latest Version | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| Release cycle | Rolling release | Fixed release (every 2 years) |
| Package Versions | Newer versions due to rolling release model | Same as RHEL 8 |
| Package versions | Latest versions, may not be as stable | Stable versions, may not be the latest |
| Security updates | May not receive updates as quickly as RHEL | Immediate updates as soon as RHEL releases them |
| Software Availability | More frequent updates, but some software may not be available | Less frequent updates, but more comprehensive software availability |
| Update Mechanism | DNF-based, with rolling updates | YUM-based, with point releases |
| Performance | May have more bugs due to newer software versions | Generally stable and reliable |
| Community Support | Active community support with third-party resources available | Backed by the community-driven project, supported by CloudLinux |
| Community Activity | Less active than CentOS and RHEL communities | Active and growing community |
| Migration path | Migration from CentOS is straightforward | Migration from CentOS is straightforward |
| Use cases | Developers, testing environments, bleeding-edge technology | Production environments, enterprise use cases |
| Documentation | Official documentation available, but may not be as comprehensive as other distributions | Comprehensive documentation available, with focus on ease of use |
In summary, the comparison between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux reveals that both operating systems have their unique strengths and weaknesses. CentOS Stream is ideal for users looking for the latest software versions, while AlmaLinux is a great choice for those looking for stability and long-term support.
When considering specific needs and use cases, it’s important to evaluate the features, performance, stability, community support, and documentation of both operating systems. Depending on the specific requirements, one may be more suitable than the other.
If you’re currently using CentOS and looking to migrate to a new operating system, both CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux offer migration tools and resources to assist with the transition.
Ultimately, the choice between CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux will depend on your specific needs and use cases. It’s important to evaluate both options carefully and choose the one that best meets your requirements.
In conclusion, both CentOS Stream and AlmaLinux are viable options for a wide range of users, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on your specific needs and use cases.
References:
- The AlmaLinux website. https://almalinux.org/
- The CentOS website. https://www.centos.org/
- Red Hat’s documentation on CentOS Stream. https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/f33/system-administrators-guide/ch-Using_CentOS_Streams/
- A comparison of CentOS Stream and RHEL from Red Hat’s perspective. https://www.redhat.com/en/blog/faq-centos-stream-upstream-branch-rhel-questions-answered
- The AlmaLinux migration guide. https://wiki.almalinux.org/migrate/
- The CentOS Stream migration guide. https://www.centos.org/centos-stream-migration/
- The CentOS community forums. https://forums.centos.org/
- The AlmaLinux community forums. https://community.almalinux.org/
- The documentation for AlmaLinux. https://wiki.almalinux.org/
- The documentation for CentOS Stream. https://docs.centos.org/en-US/centos/stream/
