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With Red Hat discontinuing CentOS in favor of CentOS Stream, many users have been searching for a stable, community-driven alternative to RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux). Among the strongest contenders is AlmaLinux, a free and open-source RHEL fork. This shift has left system administrators, developers, and companies reevaluating their server OS choices. This guide will highlight the differences between AlmaLinux and CentOS, discuss their features, and help you decide which one to use for your next project.
What is CentOS?
CentOS (Community ENTerprise Operating System) was a free, RHEL-compatible Linux distribution that mirrored RHEL's source code. It was widely used for its stability, security, and long-term support, especially on servers where reliability is critical.
However, in 2021, Red Hat decided to change CentOS into CentOS Stream, a rolling-release version that serves as a "development preview" for RHEL. This shift disappointed many users who relied on CentOS for its stability.
What is AlmaLinux?
AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, 1:1 binary-compatible alternative to RHEL, similar to what CentOS used to be. It was created to fill the gap left by the transition of CentOS to CentOS Stream. It aims to provide the same level of stability and predictability that CentOS users had come to expect.
The name “Alma” means “soul” in Spanish, symbolizing the community's heart and effort in building this new alternative. CloudLinux played a key role in developing AlmaLinux, ensuring it remains free, secure, and supported by the community.
Why Did CentOS Users Migrate to AlmaLinux?
The shift from CentOS to CentOS Stream left many users feeling uncertain about stability. Since CentOS Stream is a rolling release, it receives updates ahead of RHEL, making it less stable for production environments. This is a critical issue for businesses that rely on long-term support and predictable releases.
Here’s why many users chose AlmaLinux as their CentOS replacement:
- Stability: AlmaLinux offers a stable, enterprise-ready environment.
- Long-Term Support: Unlike CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux maintains a stable release lifecycle.
- 100% RHEL-Compatible: AlmaLinux is a 1:1 RHEL fork, so software that works on RHEL will work on AlmaLinux.
- Free and Open-Source: AlmaLinux is community-driven and available for free.
Key Differences Between AlmaLinux and CentOS
| Feature | AlmaLinux | CentOS Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Base | RHEL clone (1:1 binary match) | Pre-RHEL (rolling updates) |
| Stability | Stable (like traditional CentOS) | Less stable (development preview) |
| Community | Community-driven, CloudLinux support | Controlled by Red Hat |
| Security | Enterprise-grade security | New features introduced early |
| Release Model | Stable point releases | Rolling-release model |
| Enterprise Use | Suitable for production | May introduce experimental features |
Why AlmaLinux is the Best Alternative to CentOS
If you used CentOS for its stability, security, and predictability, then AlmaLinux is one of the best alternatives. Here’s why:
- Enterprise-Grade Stability: AlmaLinux offers long-term support and production-grade stability, just like CentOS did.
- Compatibility with RHEL: AlmaLinux is 100% RHEL-compatible, making it easy to migrate without reconfiguring your applications.
- Community-Driven Project: Unlike CentOS Stream, AlmaLinux is built by the community, ensuring a broader focus on user needs.
- Commercial Backing from CloudLinux: CloudLinux's involvement ensures technical support and long-term viability.
- Free Forever: AlmaLinux is completely free, with no licensing fees, unlike RHEL.
How to Migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux
If you’re still using CentOS 7 or CentOS 8, you should consider migrating to AlmaLinux to ensure a stable production environment. Here’s how to do it:
- Backup Your Server: Always back up your data, files, and configurations before making system changes.
- Use the AlmaLinux Migration Tool:
Run the following commands to migrate from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux:curl -O https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/almalinux-deploy-latest.sh sudo bash almalinux-deploy-latest.sh - Restart Your Server: After the migration is complete, restart your server.
- Check the System: Verify that the migration was successful by checking the system version:
cat /etc/os-release
Once you’ve confirmed that AlmaLinux is running, your system is ready to continue operating as it did with CentOS.
AlmaLinux Use Cases
AlmaLinux is a versatile operating system suitable for various use cases, especially where CentOS was previously used. Here are some examples:
- Web Hosting: Ideal for running LAMP/LEMP stacks for web hosting environments.
- Application Servers: AlmaLinux is perfect for Java, Python, and Node.js server environments.
- Database Hosting: Supports popular databases like MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL.
- Cloud Servers and VPS: AlmaLinux is an excellent OS for VPS hosting, especially when combined with platforms like SurferCloud.
- Enterprise IT Systems: Used in production servers for enterprises that require stability and RHEL compatibility.
How SurferCloud Enhances Your AlmaLinux VPS
If you're looking for a reliable hosting provider to deploy AlmaLinux quickly, consider SurferCloud. SurferCloud offers high-performance VPS hosting with AlmaLinux support, giving users the ability to build secure, stable, and scalable applications.
Why Choose SurferCloud for AlmaLinux VPS?
- Global Data Centers: Access VPS servers in 16 global locations, ensuring low latency and high availability.
- Stable RHEL-Equivalent Servers: Run your AlmaLinux server on enterprise-grade infrastructure.
- Scalability: Start with a small server and scale as your business grows.
- DDoS Protection: Benefit from advanced DDoS protection to safeguard your applications.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Get expert assistance whenever you need it.
With SurferCloud, you can deploy an AlmaLinux VPS with just a few clicks. The platform is ideal for developers, businesses, and IT administrators who need stable and secure server environments.
Get started with SurferCloud today and experience the power of AlmaLinux on a high-performance VPS!
Conclusion
The shift from CentOS to CentOS Stream has created a demand for a more stable, RHEL-compatible alternative. AlmaLinux fills this gap perfectly. It offers a reliable, enterprise-grade solution with long-term support, security, and community backing. For companies that relied on CentOS, AlmaLinux is a seamless replacement.
If you’re looking for a fast, secure, and global VPS solution to deploy AlmaLinux, consider SurferCloud. With worldwide server locations, enhanced security, and 24/7 support, SurferCloud makes it easy to deploy AlmaLinux for web hosting, application servers, and cloud infrastructure.
