What is AlmaLinux 8? Features, Advantages, and Use Cases

AlmaLinux 8: What It Is, Features, Advantages, and Use Cases

In recent years, AlmaLinux has gained significant attention among Linux distributions, becoming an attractive alternative especially for businesses using Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)-based systems. In this article, we will take a detailed look at AlmaLinux 8, covering its features, advantages, use cases, and why it should be preferred, providing a comprehensive and SEO-friendly overview.

What is AlmaLinux 8?

AlmaLinux 8 is a free, open-source Linux distribution fully compatible with RHEL 8. After Red Hat’s decision to shift CentOS to a “rolling-release” model, CentOS users needed an alternative. AlmaLinux, developed by CloudLinux and community-supported, was officially announced in 2021 to fill this gap.

Thanks to its binary compatibility with RHEL, AlmaLinux runs applications and system configurations developed for RHEL seamlessly. This makes it an ideal solution for enterprise use.

Key Features of AlmaLinux 8

1. RHEL Compatibility
   AlmaLinux 8 is fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8. This compatibility allows AlmaLinux users to access all the support and documentation offered by software and hardware vendors for RHEL.

2. Free and Open Source
   AlmaLinux is completely free of charge. No licensing fees apply for installation, upgrades, or maintenance. Being open source, users can customize the system as they wish and contribute to its development.

3. Long-Term Support
   AlmaLinux 8 offers long-term support (LTS) until 2029. Security updates and bug fixes will be provided throughout this period, ensuring a secure and sustainable operating system environment for businesses.

4. Extensive Package Support
   With support for hundreds of packages and software, AlmaLinux 8 provides a rich ecosystem for both developers and system administrators. The DNF package manager allows quick and reliable software installation.

5. Active Community and Enterprise Support
   The project is led by the AlmaLinux Foundation and backed by a broad and active community. Additionally, companies like CloudLinux provide commercial support options for businesses seeking professional assistance.

Advantages of AlmaLinux 8

• Ideal for Enterprise Solutions
  Thanks to its stability, reliability, and RHEL compatibility, AlmaLinux 8 is safely used in enterprise environments. It is especially suitable for database servers, web hosting, virtualization, and container platforms.

• Easy Transition from CentOS
  Switching from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux 8 is straightforward. Existing systems can be converted without data loss. Migration tools are available for download on AlmaLinux’s GitHub page.

• Security-Focused Architecture
  AlmaLinux 8 includes security modules like SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) and receives continuous security patches to protect the system against threats.

Where is AlmaLinux 8 Used?

• Web Servers
  Works seamlessly with web servers such as Apache and Nginx, and offers full compatibility with software stacks like PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, and Python.

• Database Servers
  Supports high-performance systems with PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, and other database solutions.

• Virtualization and Container Systems
  Supports KVM, Docker, Podman, and Kubernetes technologies without issues on AlmaLinux 8.

• Software Development Environments
  Supports popular programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, and Go. Also provides a strong infrastructure for tools like Git, Jenkins, and Ansible.

How to Install AlmaLinux 8?

Installing AlmaLinux 8 is user-friendly. After downloading the ISO file, the system can be quickly set up using the classic installation wizard or automated installation scripts. Pre-configured AlmaLinux images are also available for virtual machines and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Steps for installation:

1. Download the ISO file from the official AlmaLinux website.

2. Create a bootable media on USB or virtual machine.

3. Follow the installation wizard to configure disk, user settings, and package selection.

4. Complete the installation and reboot the system.

Conclusion

AlmaLinux 8 is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable, enterprise-grade, and free operating system. Its full compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, active community, and long-term support provide a powerful solution for system administrators and developers alike. The smooth migration option for CentOS users points to AlmaLinux’s growing adoption in the future.

If you are looking for a stable, secure, and open Linux distribution, AlmaLinux 8 could be the right choice for you.