Why Oracle Linux Is the Best Free RHEL‑Compatible Alternative to CentOS
With CentOS 8 reaching end‑of‑life and CentOS Stream becoming the sole upstream for RHEL, Oracle Linux emerges as a free, highly compatible RHEL‑based distribution offering long‑term support, a stable kernel, and a viable path for displaced CentOS users.
Recent news indicates CentOS 8 will reach end of life next year, and the long‑term support version will not survive 2024. CentOS will focus on CentOS Stream as the upstream for RHEL, which is disappointing for users who wanted a free, binary‑compatible RHEL build.
Oracle sees an opportunity to attract displaced CentOS users to Oracle Linux.
Oracle Linux tracks the RHEL upstream; its Red Hat Compatible Kernel is close to the vanilla RHEL/CentOS state.
The distribution is free to download, use, and redistribute. Since 2006 it has provided strong compatibility for x86 and ARM workloads. Its main enhancement is the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel, which follows a newer stable kernel series (Linux 5.4) compared with RHEL.
For more details, readers can consult the Oracle Linux blog.
Meanwhile, the CentOS founder has launched the Rocky Linux project to fill the gap left by the shift to CentOS Stream, and Red Hat may introduce a lower‑priced self‑service subscription tier, though no announcement has been made yet.
Source: cnBeta Oracle Linux blog: https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/need-a-stable,-rhel-compatible-alternative-to-centos-three-reasons-to-consider-oracle-linux
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