Best CentOS Alternative Distributions

CentOS is a popular Linux distribution that has been widely used in servers and data centers. However, recent announcement from Red Hat, company that owns CentOS, about end of CentOS's stable release has left many users in search of alternative distributions. In this article, we will discuss best CentOS alternative distributions, their features, and why they could be a good choice for you.

What is CentOS?

CentOS (Community Enterprise Operating System) is a free, open-source, community-driven distribution based on source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS provides same functionality and features as RHEL, but without cost of licensing fees. CentOS has been popular among server administrators and developers due to its stability, security, and long-term support.

Why look for CentOS Alternatives?

Red Hat's announcement that it would end CentOS's stable release has left many CentOS users in a bind. CentOS users were able to take advantage of stability and reliability of RHEL codebase, but with end of CentOS's stable release, users need to find an alternative that will meet their needs for stability, security, and support.

Best CentOS Alternative Distributions

Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux is a new community-driven distribution that aims to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS. project was started by original co-founder of CentOS, Gregory Kurtzer, in response to Red Hat's announcement. Rocky Linux is based on same codebase as CentOS and RHEL, and it aims to provide a stable, secure, and community-supported distribution.

One of main advantages of Rocky Linux is its close association with CentOS. Since Rocky Linux is based on same codebase as CentOS, users who are familiar with CentOS will feel right at home with Rocky Linux. Rocky Linux is also committed to providing long-term support for its releases, making it an excellent choice for users who need a stable and reliable distribution for their servers or workstations.

AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux is another community-driven distribution that aims to provide a stable and secure alternative to CentOS. AlmaLinux is based on same codebase as CentOS and RHEL, and it is designed to be a drop-in replacement for CentOS. AlmaLinux is backed by CloudLinux, a company that provides commercial support for CentOS and RHEL.

One of main advantages of AlmaLinux is its commercial backing. CloudLinux has a proven track record of providing commercial support for CentOS and RHEL, and they are committed to providing long-term support for AlmaLinux. AlmaLinux is also committed to maintaining compatibility with CentOS, making it an excellent choice for users who need a stable and reliable distribution for their servers or workstations.

Oracle Linux

Oracle Linux is a distribution based on RHEL that is designed to provide enterprise-level features and support. Oracle Linux is free to download and use, and it comes with a wide range of enterprise-grade features such as Ksplice, DTrace, and Oracle Clusterware. Oracle Linux also provides commercial support and services for users who need additional assistance.

One of main advantages of Oracle Linux is its enterprise-grade features and support. Oracle Linux is designed to provide a stable and reliable distribution for enterprise-level workloads, and it comes with a wide range of features that are tailored for enterprise users. Oracle Linux is also backed by a large company with a proven track record of providing enterprise-level support and services.

Fedora

Fedora is a community-driven distribution that is backed by Red Hat. Fedora is based on latest and greatest open-source technologies, and it is designed to provide a bleeding-edge distribution for desktops and workstations. Fedora provides a wide range of features and tools for developers, including development tools, programming languages, and libraries.

One of main advantages of Fedora is its focus on latest and greatest open-source technologies. Fedora is designed to be a cutting-edge distribution, which makes it an excellent choice for developers who want to work with latest software and tools. Fedora also provides a wide range of desktop environments and graphical interfaces, making it a good choice for users who want a customizable and user-friendly experience.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a popular distribution based on Debian that is designed for desktops, servers, and cloud environments. Ubuntu provides a wide range of features and tools for users, including a large software repository, a user-friendly graphical interface, and support for a wide range of hardware. Ubuntu also provides long-term support for its releases, making it a stable and reliable choice for users who need a long-term distribution for their servers or workstations.

One of main advantages of Ubuntu is its user-friendly interface and software repository. Ubuntu provides a large selection of software that is easy to install and use, making it an excellent choice for users who are new to Linux or who want a simple and easy-to-use distribution. Ubuntu also provides long-term support for its releases, which makes it a good choice for users who need a stable and reliable distribution for their servers or workstations.

Debian

Debian is a community-driven distribution that is known for its stability and reliability. Debian provides a wide range of software packages and tools, making it an excellent choice for users who need a distribution for their desktops, servers, or workstations. Debian provides long-term support for its releases, making it a stable and reliable choice for users who need a distribution for their servers or workstations.

One of main advantages of Debian is its stability and reliability. Debian is known for its strict quality control process, which ensures that only stable and reliable software packages are included in its releases. Debian also provides a large software repository and a wide range of desktop environments and graphical interfaces, making it a good choice for users who want a customizable and user-friendly experience.

OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE is a community-driven distribution that is known for its stability, security, and user-friendliness. OpenSUSE provides a wide range of features and tools for users, including a large software repository, a user-friendly graphical interface, and support for a wide range of hardware. OpenSUSE also provides long-term support for its releases, making it a stable and reliable choice for users who need a distribution for their servers or workstations.

One of main advantages of OpenSUSE is its user-friendliness and software repository. OpenSUSE provides a large selection of software that is easy to install and use, making it an excellent choice for users who are new to Linux or who want a simple and easy-to-use distribution. OpenSUSE also provides a wide range of desktop environments and graphical interfaces, making it a good choice for users who want a customizable and user-friendly experience.

CentOS Stream

CentOS Stream is a community-driven distribution that is based on same codebase as CentOS. CentOS Stream is designed to provide a rolling-release distribution that allows users to stay up-to-date with latest software and features. CentOS Stream is also committed to providing long-term support for its releases, making it a stable and reliable choice for users who need a distribution for their servers or workstations.

One of main advantages of CentOS Stream is its rolling-release model, which allows users to stay up-to-date with latest software and features. CentOS Stream also provides a wide range of features and tools for users, including a large software repository and support for a wide range of hardware. CentOS Stream is also committed to providing long-term support for its releases, making it a good choice for users who need a stable and reliable distribution for their servers or workstations.

Conclusion

There are many CentOS alternative distributions that provide stable, secure, and reliable options for users who need a distribution for their servers or workstations. Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are both based on same codebase as CentOS and provide long-term support, making them excellent choices for CentOS users. Oracle Linux provides enterprise-level features and support, making it a good choice for users who need a distribution for their enterprise-level workloads. Fedora and Ubuntu are both user-friendly distributions that provide a wide range of features and tools for developers and users alike. No matter which distribution you choose, make sure it meets your needs for stability, security, and support.