In 2023, are you seeking for a CentOS substitute? If so, you are not alone. Over the last several years, a lot of server users have been looking for CentOS alternatives. It’s essentially the result of RedHat’s modifications to CentOS’s license and continuing maintenance.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is the foundation for the Linux distribution CentOS. Due to its durability and stability, it is well-liked as a server operating system. In fact, up until recently, you could only install cPanel, the most widely used web hosting control panel, using that OS. This is changing, however, since more current cPanel versions now support Ubuntu as well. Ubuntu 18.04 and 20.04, CentOS 8 and CentOS 7, and cPanel are now all supported.
Red Hat, the company responsible for maintaining RHEL and CentOS, was acquired by IBM in 2019. Since then, IBM has almost entirely stopped supporting CentOS in order to increase sales of RHEL, their premium version. As a consequence of these developments, many people are now unclear about what to do and looking for alternatives.
The following are Linux distributions for server use cases that represent some good alternatives to CentOS:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
As the upstream distribution for CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) boasts an impressive level of stability and package selection that mirrors CentOS. However, unlike CentOS, RHEL operates under a for-profit model, employing a subscription-based pricing structure for its users. This approach helps provide commercial-grade support and additional features to its customers, making it an attractive option for businesses requiring extensive support and reliability.
IBM, the parent company of Red Hat, made strategic alterations to the CentOS distribution process with the intent of encouraging users to transition to RHEL, their premium offering. This move signifies a push towards RHEL as a robust, supported, and enterprise-ready Linux distribution, tailored to meet the demands of modern, complex IT environments.
Debian
Debian, a well-established Linux distribution, has earned recognition for its tremendous stability. This stability is manifested in both its consistent performance and the extended support provided for each version release. Its unswerving reliability makes it a preferred alternative for server applications. In addition, Debian’s comprehensiveness and robustness have led it to become the springboard for many other Linux distributions. These distributions often start with Debian as a base and make modifications to suit their specific project goals.
If you’re planning to utilize the Proxmox virtualization management panel, Debian may become a great choice. It serves as the underlying operating system for Proxmox, ensuring “seamless compatibility and reliability.” Therefore, Debian stands as a symbol of stability, adaptability, and foundation for high-level applications.
AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux, a community-driven distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), was created as a direct replacement for CentOS, following the shift in CentOS’s strategy. The project is designed to adhere to the same open-source principles that guided CentOS, providing a free, enterprise-ready operating system that mirrors RHEL’s functionality and compatibility.
The initiative for AlmaLinux came from CloudLinux, a company recognized for creating a hardened, secured variant of the Linux operating system tailored for web hosting servers. CloudLinux initiated and initially funded the AlmaLinux project with a specific aim to provide a long-term, stable platform for the community without any charge. AlmaLinux is now governed by a non-profit foundation that is open to contributions and direction from the community, reflecting its commitment to being a community-driven project. It seeks to provide a seamless transition for those businesses and developers impacted by the CentOS shift, offering an enterprise-grade, fully-supported Linux distribution ready for production environments.
Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux, which is simply a clone of CentOS, is quite similar to AlmaLinux. It’s currently less well-known than AlmaLinux, but it may nonetheless serve as a decent CentOS substitute. Rocky Linux was created by Gregory Kurtzer, co-founder of CentOS, after Red Hat announced a shift in the direction of CentOS. Rocky Linux aims to provide a community-driven, production-grade enterprise operating system that's stable, free, and receives regular updates. It serves as a suitable alternative for those who were using CentOS for their server needs. Although Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux do provide paid support alternatives, they are entirely optional, unlike RHEL. You can’t go wrong with AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux if you want a similar user experience to CentOS without having to pay the RHEL licensing costs.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is often hailed as one of the most user-friendly Linux distributions, a characteristic that makes it appealing to both beginners and seasoned users alike. It comes with more updated software libraries compared to CentOS, which can greatly enhance its compatibility with modern applications. As a result, many current software programs that might prove challenging to operate on CentOS could run smoothly on Ubuntu. This compatibility feature broadens its appeal and usability in various computing environments.
A recent development that further boosts Ubuntu’s attractiveness, especially for server administrators, is the ability to install cPanel, a popular web hosting control panel. This new feature streamlines server management, making Ubuntu a more enticing choice for users seeking an optimal balance of simplicity, control, and advanced software support. This continued evolution of Ubuntu’s capabilities cements its place as a strong contender in the Linux distribution landscape.
Conclusion
The OS upgrading procedure should be taken into account when choosing between a CentOS replacement and a CentOS alternative. Without having to start from scratch, Ubuntu and Debian may both be updated from the version that is now installed to the most recent version. Contrarily, CentOS can only be updated to the most recent 7.x version; it cannot be upgraded to an 8.x version if you are using a 7.x version. Reinstalling the OS from start would delete all of your data, therefore you must usually install it on a brand-new server before manually moving your data and programs there. This is a crucial consideration if you want a server system to last for a long time since Ubuntu and Debian won’t force you to make a significant transfer every few years in order to merely maintain the OS current.
In conclusion, the recent developments concerning CentOS have left many users seeking alternatives. Whether your preference is a direct CentOS replacement such as RHEL, AlmaLinux, or Rocky Linux, or an entirely different Linux distribution like Debian or Ubuntu, there is a wide array of dependable solutions available. Each of these alternatives brings its unique strengths and potential trade-offs. While RHEL offers premium service with a subscription fee, both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux offer a CentOS-like experience without the license costs. On the other hand, Debian and Ubuntu provide a robust and user-friendly environment, with the added convenience of seamless OS upgrade process, and they also offer long-term support, which can be crucial for longevity and dependability.
Ultimately, the choice of an alternative largely depends on specific needs and personal preference. As the landscape of Linux distributions continues to evolve, it can be beneficial to familiarize oneself with the major alternatives. Each comes with its own set of features and benefits, which can cater to different user needs and preferences, making the choice less about finding a ‘perfect’ replacement and more about finding the right fit for your specific circumstances and requirements.
CentOS Linux 8
