AlmaLinux is an enterprise-grade Linux distribution developed as a stable alternative to CentOS following its transition to the Stream model. It is governed by the non-profit AlmaLinux OS Foundation and remains community-owned. The OS provides binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring that applications built for RHEL run identically on AlmaLinux.
The distribution functions by tracking RHEL source code, maintaining identical package versions and dependencies. It utilizes the dnf package manager and supports standard enterprise features like SELinux and firewalld. The project commits to a long-term support (LTS) lifecycle, mirroring the 10-year support window of the upstream vendor.
Implementation and Migration
It is used in web hosting, data centers, and cloud environments where RHEL-level stability is required without subscription fees. Administrators can migrate existing CentOS or RHEL installations using the almalinux-deploy script, which handles repository replacement and package synchronization automatically.
- Supported architectures include x86_64, AArch64, ppc64le, and s390x.
- FIPS 140-3 certification for compliance in regulated industries.
- Security patches are typically released within 24 hours of the upstream RHEL announcement.