AlmaLinux is a community-driven, open-source Linux distribution designed as a replacement for CentOS Linux. It is developed and maintained by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, and its primary goal is to provide a free and open-source alternative to CentOS, following the shift in the CentOS project’s direction.
The need for it arose when CentOS Linux, a popular free and open-source Linux distribution derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), announced changes to its release model. CentOS shifted its focus to CentOS Stream, a rolling-release distribution that serves as an upstream development branch for RHEL.
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What is AlmaLinux
It is a Linux operating system, is both free and tailored for enterprise use. It is backed by a supportive community and has introduced itself to Linux enthusiasts with the motto “For the community, by the community.”
Embracing a transparent approach, AlmaLinux encourages active user participation, quickly gaining a diverse user base and emerging as a formidable competitor among Linux distributions. Its capabilities have attracted widespread attention, making it a strong contender since its release in 2021.
Key features of AlmaLinux
It is a versatile operating system that offers a range of features and benefits, including:
- RHEL Compatibility: It is designed to be a 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL. This compatibility ensures that applications built for RHEL can be easily migrated to AlmaLinux.
- Long-Term Support (LTS): It provides long-term support for its releases, making it suitable for enterprise and production environments.
- Community-Driven: The development and maintenance of AlmaLinux involve contributions from a community of users, developers, and organizations interested in a stable and free alternative to RHEL.
- Free and Open Source: It is distributed under open-source licenses, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the source code.
It has gained popularity as a choice for organizations seeking a reliable and community-supported Linux distribution to replace CentOS Linux. It provides a familiar environment for users accustomed to working with RHEL-based distributions while remaining free and open source.
Steps to install AlmaLinux
To install AlmaLinux, you can follow a process similar to installing other Linux distributions. Here are the general steps:
Prerequisites:
- Download AlmaLinux ISO:
- Visit the official AlmaLinux downloads page and download the ISO image for the architecture you need (e.g., x86_64).
- Create Bootable Media:
- Create a bootable USB flash drive or burn the ISO to a DVD. You can use tools like Rufus (for Windows), dd (for Linux), or BalenaEtcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB.
Installation Steps:
- Insert Bootable Media:
- Insert the bootable USB or DVD into the computer where you want to install AlmaLinux.
- Boot from Installation Media:
- Restart your computer and boot from the installation media. You may need to change the boot order in the BIOS or use a boot menu option (commonly accessible by pressing a key like F2, F12, or ESC during startup).
- Start Installation:
- Once the system boots from the installation media, you’ll see the AlmaLinux installer. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the installation.
- Configure Language and Keyboard:
- Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
- Storage Configuration:
- Configure the storage options. You can choose to install AlmaLinux alongside an existing operating system, replace the existing OS, or manually configure partitions.
- Network Configuration:
- Configure your network settings, including hostname and network connection.
- Time Zone and Date:
- Set your time zone and configure the system clock.
- Root Password and User Account:
- Set the root password and create a regular user account.
- Install Boot Loader:
- Choose the location to install the bootloader (usually the default option).
- Complete Installation:
- Confirm your installation settings and proceed with the installation. The system will copy files and install the operating system.
- Reboot:
- Once the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to remove the installation media and press Enter to reboot.
- Post-Installation Configuration:
- After rebooting, log in with the credentials you created during the installation. You may need to perform additional configurations, such as updating packages and installing software.
Remember that these steps provide a general overview, and specific details may vary based on your hardware and the AlmaLinux version you are installing. Always refer to the official AlmaLinux documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Uses of AlmaLinux
Server Hosting: It is well-suited for server deployments, providing a stable and secure environment. It can host web servers, application servers, database servers, and other services commonly used in server infrastructures.
Web Development: Developers often use AlmaLinux as the operating system for web development projects. It supports a wide range of web development frameworks and tools, making it versatile for creating and deploying web applications.
Enterprise Environments: It is designed with enterprise use in mind. Its stability, long-term support, and compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) make it suitable for mission-critical applications in business and corporate environments.
Cloud Computing: It can be used in cloud computing environments, whether in public cloud services or private cloud setups. Its compatibility with cloud platforms and virtualization technologies makes it a reliable choice for cloud deployments.
Container Orchestration: It can serve as a base operating system for containerized applications. With container orchestration tools like Kubernetes, organizations can manage and scale applications efficiently.
Development and Testing: Developers often use AlmaLinux for software development and testing. Its compatibility with RHEL ensures that applications developed and tested on AlmaLinux can seamlessly run on RHEL in production environments.
Security Appliances: It can be utilized as the foundation for building security appliances, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Its security features and compatibility with various security tools make it suitable for such use cases.
Educational Institutions: It can be used in educational institutions for teaching and learning purposes. Its availability as a free and open-source operating system makes it accessible for educational environments.
Desktop Computing: It is often associated with server environments, it can also be used as a desktop operating system. Users looking for a stable and enterprise-ready Linux desktop experience may choose AlmaLinux.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it has emerged as a reliable and community-driven solution for users seeking a stable, open-source operating system with compatibility to RHEL. Its widespread adoption, active community, and commitment to transparency position AlmaLinux as a significant player in the Linux landscape. As with any operating system, its suitability for specific use cases depends on the unique requirements and preferences of individual users and organizations.
Arnav Dinesh
Maya Kumar
Manju Parthiban