CentOS is an open-source and one of the best Linux distros for website owners. It is available in the Linux VPS hosting plans available with MilesWeb. However, if developers want more options or alternatives to CentOS, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are two major Linux distros. Both distros are new and it has been only three years and now it has become a developer-friendly framework to build web projects.
Now, the question is which one is better among the two frameworks? This is the right and in-depth server comparison guide to assist you in web hosting operations. Find the right insights about AlmaLinux vs Rocky Linux in terms of server operations.
Table Of Content
What is AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is a free, and open-source, community-driven Linux distribution which is binary compatible with RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux). It provides a stable, secure, and production-grade enterprise operating system. AlmaLinux was originally called Project Lenix but was renamed in January 2021.
On March 30, 2021, the first stable release of AlmaLinux was published which will be supported until March 1, 2029. AlmaLinux is built using reproducible and publicly viewable methods using the AlmaLinux Build System (ALBS). ALBS is a customized build system whose source code is like the distribution itself.
What is Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux is also a free, and open-source operating system like AlmaLinux. This Linux distro is 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Gregory Kurtzer, CIQ CEO, Red Hat in 2020 has decided to announce the new project Rocky Linux.
He is also one of the co-founders of CentOS and wanted to achieve the original goals of CentOS. In 2021, Rocky Linux was released as a tribute to CentOS cofounder Rocky McGaugh and quickly became GitHub’s top-trending repository.
Advantages of AlmaLinux
1. CentOS Alternative
If you are looking for a CentOS alternative, AlmaLinux is the better solution to consider. Using this framework means you don’t want to be dependent on CentOS 7 or other related versions. The AlmaLinux operating system has the potential to create the same positive user experience in terms of performance and design. The binary compatibility with RHEL allows it to follow the latest UI/UX trends. If you use CentOS, don’t hesitate to switch to AlmaLinux; it will provide you with the same experience. You can migrate the same script from CentOS to the AlmaLinux environment.
2. Stability and Source Coding Standards
AlmaLinux’s source code is RHEL-based. Thus, if you are familiar with RHEL or basic Linux commands or codes, this Linux distro is simple to access. Then, optimize these codes as per your requirements. For beginners, these codes are available publicly in different communities!
Here’s what’s going on with AlmaLinux and the new software. Imagine CentOS Stream as a kind of testing ground. It’s like a trial run when new stuff is rolled out. After the commercial version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux gets the update, any kinks and bugs will be ironed out. Then, finally, it trickles down to AlmaLinux users. AlmaLinux might not be on the cutting edge, but you get a stable system that’s been tested.
3. Fees and Licenses
AlmaLinux is free of cost! This is the statement is justified on the AlmaLinux OS. Despite being used commercially, this Linux easily meets online business goals with a specific set of features and paid operating systems for free. Therefore, there is no contract fee or registration charge. You can use AlmaLinux without restrictions. Instead of its paid competitors, this open-source operating system caters to your needs.
4. Community and Support
There is no technical burden to access the AlmaLinux operating system. Once you get all kinds of technical assistance from different communities, it is easier to carry out the project development task. Different IT community members use the potential of this Linux community to build a strong open-source foundation. For further assistance managed web hosting service providers are available to help out. Different professional experts of MilesWeb can assist you related to AlmaLinux.
Advantages of Rocky Linux
1. Stability and Reliability
Rocky Linux is known for its stability, making it a preferred choice for organizations that prioritize consistent performance. The Linux distro inherits the same rigorous testing and robust ecosystem. This ensures that businesses experience minimal system crashes or disruptions, even during heavy workloads. Its reliability is particularly crucial for mission-critical applications in industries like finance, healthcare, and IT services, where downtime can result in significant losses.
In addition, Rocky Linux supports smooth operation across diverse environments, such as on-premise servers, cloud platforms, and hybrid setups. Such flexibility makes it attractive, especially for organizations with diverse IT needs. Delivering enterprise-grade stability at no cost makes it a high-performance solution without compromising reliability or the budget.
2. Open-Source and Community-Driven
Rocky Linuz’s open-source nature guarantees freedom from vendor lock-in, empowering users to maintain full control over their infrastructure. Its development is led by the community, which ensures transparency, innovation, and regular updates. This has the benefit of having a common knowledge base as the community actively collaborates in enhancing the operating system.
Also, the community-driven nature helps the OS to respond to user feedback and industry trends faster than proprietary alternatives. It is uniquely flexible, and businesses can customize and optimize the OS according to their unique requirements. Rocky Linux also does not incur licensing fees, so it becomes an economically attractive option for startups and enterprises that are looking to scale up their operations.
3. Seamless Migration and Compatibility
Rocky Linux provides tools and support that make migrating from CentOS or other Linux distributions effortless. Its binary compatibility with RHEL ensures that existing applications, configurations, and workloads function seamlessly without requiring extensive modifications. This reduces downtime and operational hiccups during the migration process, making it a cost-effective solution for enterprises seeking a dependable platform.
This further supports the operating system by having a wide range of software and tools, so the IT teams do not have to face compatibility issues. This ease of integration makes Rocky Linux an ideal choice for businesses looking to adopt a stable Linux distribution without a steep learning curve. It helps organizations maintain continuity in their operations by simplifying migration and ensuring compatibility.
4. Long-Term Support and Security
Rocky Linux provides long-term support (LTS) with regular updates, making it a dependable choice for businesses needing secure and well-maintained systems. The developers prioritize security by delivering timely patches to address vulnerabilities, ensuring that systems remain protected against emerging threats. Its compliance with enterprise-grade security standards makes it a reliable option for sectors like healthcare, finance, and government.
The predictable cycle of updates lets the administrator prepare and introduce changes based on predictable, not potentially unpredictable disruptions. In so doing, it lets IT focus more on innovations and development instead of having its head on the issues of keeping the system maintained. Due to this commitment to support and security over a time frame, Rocky Linux becomes the rock on top of which businesses can take time to concentrate on having performance along with having peace of mind.
Rocky Linux vs AlmaLinux: Key Differences
| Feature | Rocky Linux | AlmaLinux |
| Development Model | Community-driven | Community-driven with commercial backing |
| Upstream Source | RHEL source code | RHEL source code (with flexibility) |
| Focus | Stability and reliability | Stability, reliability, and commercial support |
| Community Support | Strong community support | Strong community support with additional commercial support options |
| Release Cycle | Follows RHEL’s release cycle closely | Follows RHEL’s release cycle closely |
| Target Audience | Individuals and small businesses | Enterprises and organizations requiring commercial support |
After reading this guide, you can evaluate the requirements about which framework you need to choose between AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. Both Linux distros are excellent alternatives for CentOS because of getting enterprise-grade stability, robust community support, and binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Are you relying on a service-provider backed system with robust community input, AlmaLinux will be the better choice. Its backing by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation ensures consistent updates and support for businesses looking for a reliable, community-driven solution with a structured roadmap.
Rocky Linux is a purely community-driven alternative that shines out to those who value fully disclosed, independent, and non-sponsorship by corporate entities. The seamless migration tools complement its focus on stability and security, making it trustworthy in providing a no-cost solution for businesses looking for an enduring solution.
Ultimately, both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux give you a strong, stable platform for both enterprise and personal usage. The decision between these two comes down to what best fits your needs and what you’re willing to compromise on between community leadership and structured vendor support. In either case, you get a secure, stable, and high-performance operating system.
FAQs
1. Which is more stable: AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are highly stable, as they are designed to be enterprise-grade and binary-compatible with RHEL. AlmaLinux has a solid reputation for delivering consistent updates. Meanwhile, Rocky Linux focuses on long-term community-driven stability. The choice largely depends on user preference and ecosystem needs.
2. Which has a larger community and support network: AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?
Rocky Linux has a larger community due to its association with Gregory Kurtzer, one of the original creators of CentOS. However, AlmaLinux also has a growing support network backed by the AlmaLinux Foundation. Both offer extensive forums, documentation, and professional support channels, making them reliable options.
3. Which is better for production environments: AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?
AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are both excellent choices for production environments. AlmaLinux is preferred by users seeking rapid updates and enterprise-backed support. Rocky Linux, on the other hand, appeals to those who prioritize stability and community-led development. Either can serve production needs effectively.
4. Which is better for virtualization and containerization: AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux?
Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux excel in virtualization and containerization tasks. AlmaLinux is favored for its robust support from major cloud providers and integration with modern tools. Rocky Linux provides similar capabilities with a focus on consistent performance in virtualized setups. The decision depends on specific use cases.
