Should YOU use Red Hat Linux in 2025? Here are the alternatives...

Two and a half years ago, I dropped this Two and a half years ago, I dropped this video. The best Red Hat Linux clones. video. The best Red Hat Linux clones. video. The best Red Hat Linux clones. But a ton has changed in the enterprise But a ton has changed in the enterprise But a ton has changed in the enterprise Linux world since I dropped that video. Linux world since I dropped that video. Linux world since I dropped that video. And I can't lie, the video has aged like And I can't lie, the video has aged like And I can't lie, the video has aged like milk. So, it's time for an update. Let's milk. So, it's time for an update. Let's milk. So, it's time for an update. Let's start with some context on what is going start with some context on what is going start with some context on what is going on in the enterprise Linux space. Red on in the enterprise Linux space. Red on in the enterprise Linux space. Red Hat Enterprise Linux or RE for short is Hat Enterprise Linux or RE for short is Hat Enterprise Linux or RE for short is a distribution developed by Red Hat. It a distribution developed by Red Hat. It a distribution developed by Red Hat. It is a long-term support RPM distribution is a long-term support RPM distribution is a long-term support RPM distribution using DNF as the package manager. Its using DNF as the package manager. Its using DNF as the package manager. Its package base comes from an earlier package base comes from an earlier package base comes from an earlier version of Fedora, but instead of the version of Fedora, but instead of the version of Fedora, but instead of the 13th month support you'd get with each 13th month support you'd get with each 13th month support you'd get with each Fedora release, each Real release gets a Fedora release, each Real release gets a Fedora release, each Real release gets a whopping 10 years of support and whopping 10 years of support and whopping 10 years of support and maintenance. And even more if you buy an maintenance. And even more if you buy an maintenance. And even more if you buy an extended support add-on. This makes extended support add-on. This makes extended support add-on. This makes Fedora kind of a testing ground for many Fedora kind of a testing ground for many Fedora kind of a testing ground for many things that Rail will get in the future. things that Rail will get in the future. things that Rail will get in the future. For example, RE 10, which has only been For example, RE 10, which has only been For example, RE 10, which has only been out for about two months or so, is based out for about two months or so, is based out for about two months or so, is based on Fedora 40. So, it wouldn't be on Fedora 40. So, it wouldn't be on Fedora 40. So, it wouldn't be entirely inaccurate to call RE a Fedora entirely inaccurate to call RE a Fedora entirely inaccurate to call RE a Fedora LTS. That said, it is worth noting that LTS. That said, it is worth noting that LTS. That said, it is worth noting that Fedora is still entirely its own project Fedora is still entirely its own project Fedora is still entirely its own project that is just sponsored by Red Hat, and that is just sponsored by Red Hat, and that is just sponsored by Red Hat, and they have made decisions before against they have made decisions before against they have made decisions before against Red Hat's preferences. For example, Red Hat's preferences. For example, Red Hat's preferences. For example, Fedora ships better FS, which is the Fedora ships better FS, which is the Fedora ships better FS, which is the default file system, while Red Hat 10 default file system, while Red Hat 10 default file system, while Red Hat 10 defaults to XFS, and it doesn't even defaults to XFS, and it doesn't even defaults to XFS, and it doesn't even support better FS. Another thing that support better FS. Another thing that support better FS. Another thing that makes RA special is that a lot of new makes RA special is that a lot of new makes RA special is that a lot of new technology is being pushed into Linux technology is being pushed into Linux technology is being pushed into Linux right now, and it's either funded by Red

right now, and it's either funded by Red right now, and it's either funded by Red Hat or ran or heavily contributed to by Hat or ran or heavily contributed to by Hat or ran or heavily contributed to by Red Hat developers. There's a lot of Red Hat developers. There's a lot of Red Hat developers. There's a lot of examples of this such as Gnome, Shell, examples of this such as Gnome, Shell, examples of this such as Gnome, Shell, Whand, SystemD, Policy Kit, and much Whand, SystemD, Policy Kit, and much Whand, SystemD, Policy Kit, and much more. But Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a more. But Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a more. But Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a paid Linux distribution. So back in the paid Linux distribution. So back in the paid Linux distribution. So back in the day, CentOS existed as a day, CentOS existed as a day, CentOS existed as a community-maintained Linux distro that community-maintained Linux distro that community-maintained Linux distro that took Red Hat's package source code and took Red Hat's package source code and took Red Hat's package source code and rebuilt everything to provide a free rebuilt everything to provide a free rebuilt everything to provide a free rail alternative with communitybacked rail alternative with communitybacked rail alternative with communitybacked support instead of corporatebacked support instead of corporatebacked support instead of corporatebacked support. Red Hat did buy them out, but support. Red Hat did buy them out, but support. Red Hat did buy them out, but they'd still kept CentOS around for they'd still kept CentOS around for they'd still kept CentOS around for years. However, in a year or so leading years. However, in a year or so leading years. However, in a year or so leading up to the previous Rail clone video I up to the previous Rail clone video I up to the previous Rail clone video I made, Red Hat took CentOS and moved it made, Red Hat took CentOS and moved it made, Red Hat took CentOS and moved it to the upstream of Red Hat. Before this, to the upstream of Red Hat. Before this, to the upstream of Red Hat. Before this, Fedora would have a release and then Re Fedora would have a release and then Re Fedora would have a release and then Re would inherit from Fedora to build a new would inherit from Fedora to build a new would inherit from Fedora to build a new Rail release. Then CentOS would create a Rail release. Then CentOS would create a Rail release. Then CentOS would create a rebuild that the community could use. rebuild that the community could use. rebuild that the community could use. However, now Red Hat is built on top of However, now Red Hat is built on top of However, now Red Hat is built on top of CentOS first, which inherits from CentOS first, which inherits from CentOS first, which inherits from Fedora. This change doesn't seem like Fedora. This change doesn't seem like Fedora. This change doesn't seem like that big of a deal and actually makes that big of a deal and actually makes that big of a deal and actually makes CentOS even more of a useful project.

CentOS even more of a useful project. CentOS even more of a useful project. However, Red Hat completely fumbled the However, Red Hat completely fumbled the However, Red Hat completely fumbled the messaging. Instead of just making this messaging. Instead of just making this messaging. Instead of just making this change for CentOS9 and most likely change for CentOS9 and most likely change for CentOS9 and most likely having no community push back from just having no community push back from just having no community push back from just a simple change, they made a new version a simple change, they made a new version a simple change, they made a new version of CentOS entirely, separated called of CentOS entirely, separated called of CentOS entirely, separated called CentOS Stream. Then they killed the main CentOS Stream. Then they killed the main CentOS Stream. Then they killed the main version of CentOSA after version A version of CentOSA after version A version of CentOSA after version A already released, which is not a good already released, which is not a good already released, which is not a good look for an LTS style distribution like look for an LTS style distribution like look for an LTS style distribution like CentOS. This resulted in new CentOS. This resulted in new CentOS. This resulted in new communitybacked clones of Rails such as communitybacked clones of Rails such as communitybacked clones of Rails such as Alma Linux and Rocky Linux that I Alma Linux and Rocky Linux that I Alma Linux and Rocky Linux that I showcased in that last video. Since that showcased in that last video. Since that showcased in that last video. Since that video has been published, Red Hat made video has been published, Red Hat made video has been published, Red Hat made themselves look even worse by removing themselves look even worse by removing themselves look even worse by removing access to Red Hat's source code for non access to Red Hat's source code for non access to Red Hat's source code for non Red Hat customers, which makes it harder Red Hat customers, which makes it harder Red Hat customers, which makes it harder for the community to give or make for the community to give or make for the community to give or make rebuilds of Re. Although to be fair to rebuilds of Re. Although to be fair to rebuilds of Re. Although to be fair to Red Hat, this wasn't done to target the Red Hat, this wasn't done to target the Red Hat, this wasn't done to target the community that made rebuilds, but community that made rebuilds, but community that made rebuilds, but instead to target companies like Oracle, instead to target companies like Oracle, instead to target companies like Oracle, which are making rail rebuilds of their which are making rail rebuilds of their which are making rail rebuilds of their own with their own support model, own with their own support model, own with their own support model, basically stealing Red Hat's business basically stealing Red Hat's business basically stealing Red Hat's business model on top of their own product as a model on top of their own product as a model on top of their own product as a response to RE. Oracle, CIQ, Rocky, and response to RE. Oracle, CIQ, Rocky, and response to RE. Oracle, CIQ, Rocky, and SUSA formed Open ELA as a group to SUSA formed Open ELA as a group to SUSA formed Open ELA as a group to provide a open-source code for a real provide a open-source code for a real provide a open-source code for a real rebuild. It also changed the purposes of rebuild. It also changed the purposes of rebuild. It also changed the purposes of some of the projects which I will go some of the projects which I will go some of the projects which I will go into more detail a little bit later. So into more detail a little bit later. So into more detail a little bit later. So with all this action happening in the with all this action happening in the with all this action happening in the enterprise Linux space and all these enterprise Linux space and all these enterprise Linux space and all these newer options available, what the hell newer options available, what the hell newer options available, what the hell am I supposed to use if I don't want to

am I supposed to use if I don't want to am I supposed to use if I don't want to pay for RE? Well, let's look through pay for RE? Well, let's look through pay for RE? Well, let's look through some of the options. And first, we're some of the options. And first, we're some of the options. And first, we're going to start with R free. For those going to start with R free. For those going to start with R free. For those who don't know, Red Hat offers a nocost who don't know, Red Hat offers a nocost who don't know, Red Hat offers a nocost developer subscription aimed at developer subscription aimed at developer subscription aimed at individual users. With this, you can use individual users. With this, you can use individual users. With this, you can use Red Hat on up to 16 systems for demo, Red Hat on up to 16 systems for demo, Red Hat on up to 16 systems for demo, prototyping, QA, small production uses, prototyping, QA, small production uses, prototyping, QA, small production uses, and cloud access. Red Hat does also and cloud access. Red Hat does also and cloud access. Red Hat does also recommend it for personal servers, home recommend it for personal servers, home recommend it for personal servers, home labs, and small open-source communities. labs, and small open-source communities. labs, and small open-source communities. The main problem with RAFree is that you The main problem with RAFree is that you The main problem with RAFree is that you need to register the system with the need to register the system with the need to register the system with the subscription manager and sign into a Red subscription manager and sign into a Red subscription manager and sign into a Red Hat account. This is relatively simple Hat account. This is relatively simple Hat account. This is relatively simple to do, but it is still kind of annoying to do, but it is still kind of annoying to do, but it is still kind of annoying if it's just something you want to throw if it's just something you want to throw if it's just something you want to throw into your home lab, which is why I would into your home lab, which is why I would into your home lab, which is why I would recommend something like Alma Linux recommend something like Alma Linux recommend something like Alma Linux instead for this type of use case. instead for this type of use case. instead for this type of use case. However, if you are trying to learn Red However, if you are trying to learn Red However, if you are trying to learn Red Hat, you are getting the same version of Hat, you are getting the same version of Hat, you are getting the same version of Red Hat with the free plan as you would Red Hat with the free plan as you would Red Hat with the free plan as you would if you were a paid subscriber. Also, one if you were a paid subscriber. Also, one if you were a paid subscriber. Also, one of the best things about Red Hat free is of the best things about Red Hat free is of the best things about Red Hat free is you get access to all the documentation you get access to all the documentation you get access to all the documentation that Red Hat offers for their enterprise that Red Hat offers for their enterprise that Red Hat offers for their enterprise customers. I personally don't ever use customers. I personally don't ever use customers. I personally don't ever use real free in my production systems real free in my production systems real free in my production systems production but I do have a developer production but I do have a developer production but I do have a developer account to access their documentation account to access their documentation account to access their documentation because it is really one of the best because it is really one of the best because it is really one of the best sources for documentation on Linux and sources for documentation on Linux and sources for documentation on Linux and almost everything in its docs will apply almost everything in its docs will apply almost everything in its docs will apply to one of these rail clones. So if your to one of these rail clones. So if your to one of these rail clones. So if your use case is that you want to learn use case is that you want to learn use case is that you want to learn enterprise Linux you really can't beat enterprise Linux you really can't beat enterprise Linux you really can't beat RA free. Now let's move on to CentOS

RA free. Now let's move on to CentOS RA free. Now let's move on to CentOS stream. As I said earlier, this is stream. As I said earlier, this is stream. As I said earlier, this is directly upstream of Red Hat. So any new directly upstream of Red Hat. So any new directly upstream of Red Hat. So any new fixes will show up in CentOS stream fixes will show up in CentOS stream fixes will show up in CentOS stream first. Although that does make it first. Although that does make it first. Although that does make it slightly less stable to real. But by slightly less stable to real. But by slightly less stable to real. But by slightly, I really do mean slightly. slightly, I really do mean slightly. slightly, I really do mean slightly. CentOS stream is still going to be far CentOS stream is still going to be far CentOS stream is still going to be far more stable than any nonLTS DRO like more stable than any nonLTS DRO like more stable than any nonLTS DRO like Fedora or like nonLTS alubuntu. Also, Fedora or like nonLTS alubuntu. Also, Fedora or like nonLTS alubuntu. Also, Rail builds on top of CentOS stream, Rail builds on top of CentOS stream, Rail builds on top of CentOS stream, which is basically the same environment which is basically the same environment which is basically the same environment of RE just with newer packages that just of RE just with newer packages that just of RE just with newer packages that just fix some bugs. Now, if you're trying to fix some bugs. Now, if you're trying to fix some bugs. Now, if you're trying to run something important in production, I run something important in production, I run something important in production, I would still prefer another rebuild like would still prefer another rebuild like would still prefer another rebuild like Alma just to get a bit of extra Alma just to get a bit of extra Alma just to get a bit of extra stability. However, if I wanted to run stability. However, if I wanted to run stability. However, if I wanted to run Enterprise Linux on a desktop for Enterprise Linux on a desktop for Enterprise Linux on a desktop for whatever reason, I would prefer to run whatever reason, I would prefer to run whatever reason, I would prefer to run Stream as a desktop with slightly newer Stream as a desktop with slightly newer Stream as a desktop with slightly newer packages compared to one of the other packages compared to one of the other packages compared to one of the other clones. It is a great option for clones. It is a great option for clones. It is a great option for HomeLabs as well. Now, let's talk about HomeLabs as well. Now, let's talk about HomeLabs as well. Now, let's talk about some of the communitybacked clones. And some of the communitybacked clones. And some of the communitybacked clones. And first, I've mentioned it a few times, we first, I've mentioned it a few times, we first, I've mentioned it a few times, we have Alma Linux. Alma Linux was created have Alma Linux. Alma Linux was created have Alma Linux. Alma Linux was created in 2021 by Cloud Linux after Red Hat in 2021 by Cloud Linux after Red Hat in 2021 by Cloud Linux after Red Hat went ahead and killed CentOS8. The goal went ahead and killed CentOS8. The goal went ahead and killed CentOS8. The goal was to create a dropin alternative for was to create a dropin alternative for was to create a dropin alternative for CentOS users. In March 2021, Cloud Linux CentOS users. In March 2021, Cloud Linux CentOS users. In March 2021, Cloud Linux spun off Alma Linux to have its own 501 spun off Alma Linux to have its own 501 spun off Alma Linux to have its own 501 nonprofit, which gets a $1 million a nonprofit, which gets a $1 million a nonprofit, which gets a $1 million a year pledge from Cloud Linux.

year pledge from Cloud Linux. year pledge from Cloud Linux. Originally, Alma Linux was bug forbug Originally, Alma Linux was bug forbug Originally, Alma Linux was bug forbug compatible with RE, which means that it compatible with RE, which means that it compatible with RE, which means that it was as close to a re clone as possible. was as close to a re clone as possible. was as close to a re clone as possible. However, after Red Hat restricted their However, after Red Hat restricted their However, after Red Hat restricted their source code, Alma Linux decided to source code, Alma Linux decided to source code, Alma Linux decided to become a binary compatible clone, which become a binary compatible clone, which become a binary compatible clone, which means that any program built for Red Hat means that any program built for Red Hat means that any program built for Red Hat will be compatible with Alma, although will be compatible with Alma, although will be compatible with Alma, although it's not an identical system anymore. it's not an identical system anymore. it's not an identical system anymore. Alma Linux is my favorite rail clone Alma Linux is my favorite rail clone Alma Linux is my favorite rail clone because a whole community is built because a whole community is built because a whole community is built around it. And the community is starting around it. And the community is starting around it. And the community is starting to build some very cool things around to build some very cool things around to build some very cool things around Alma Linux. For example, Alma Linux has Alma Linux. For example, Alma Linux has Alma Linux. For example, Alma Linux has their own kitten version, which is their own kitten version, which is their own kitten version, which is basically a dev branch for future basically a dev branch for future basically a dev branch for future versions. Red Hat recently dropped versions. Red Hat recently dropped versions. Red Hat recently dropped support for older x8664 support for older x8664 support for older x8664 v2 CPUs, but Alma Linux 10 supports v2 CPUs, but Alma Linux 10 supports v2 CPUs, but Alma Linux 10 supports those devices in their specific repo for those devices in their specific repo for those devices in their specific repo for that. Finally, there are quite a few that. Finally, there are quite a few that. Finally, there are quite a few cool side projects going on in the Alma cool side projects going on in the Alma cool side projects going on in the Alma Linux space, such as the Alma Linux Linux space, such as the Alma Linux Linux space, such as the Alma Linux Atomic SIG working on building an Atomic SIG working on building an Atomic SIG working on building an immutable desktop variant of Alma Linux.

immutable desktop variant of Alma Linux. immutable desktop variant of Alma Linux. Outside of that, Alma Linux tends to be Outside of that, Alma Linux tends to be Outside of that, Alma Linux tends to be the fastest rail clone. Two get updates the fastest rail clone. Two get updates the fastest rail clone. Two get updates when re actually updates and my Alma when re actually updates and my Alma when re actually updates and my Alma Linux systems have been super damn Linux systems have been super damn Linux systems have been super damn reliable. And by my systems, it's only reliable. And by my systems, it's only reliable. And by my systems, it's only really one. It's mini PC. So with this, really one. It's mini PC. So with this, really one. It's mini PC. So with this, I do think Alma Linux is the best option I do think Alma Linux is the best option I do think Alma Linux is the best option for most people who need an enterprise for most people who need an enterprise for most people who need an enterprise Linux system for production, but don't Linux system for production, but don't Linux system for production, but don't need the support packages Red Hat need the support packages Red Hat need the support packages Red Hat provides for their systems. Next up is provides for their systems. Next up is provides for their systems. Next up is Rocky Linux. This is another Rocky Linux. This is another Rocky Linux. This is another communitybacked rail clone that came out communitybacked rail clone that came out communitybacked rail clone that came out of the death of Centos S8. It was of the death of Centos S8. It was of the death of Centos S8. It was founded by Gregory Curt Curtzer, sorry, founded by Gregory Curt Curtzer, sorry, founded by Gregory Curt Curtzer, sorry, who was a co-founder of Centos and named who was a co-founder of Centos and named who was a co-founder of Centos and named after Rocky McGra passed away earlier. after Rocky McGra passed away earlier. after Rocky McGra passed away earlier. Then the formation of Rocky Linux. The Then the formation of Rocky Linux. The Then the formation of Rocky Linux. The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation was Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation was Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation was formed in January of 2021 and by April formed in January of 2021 and by April formed in January of 2021 and by April of that year, their rebuild was out. of that year, their rebuild was out. of that year, their rebuild was out. Unlike Alma Linux, even after re Unlike Alma Linux, even after re Unlike Alma Linux, even after re restricted their source code, Rocky restricted their source code, Rocky restricted their source code, Rocky Linux has stayed bug forbug as a Linux has stayed bug forbug as a Linux has stayed bug forbug as a compatible clone of re. So this is much compatible clone of re. So this is much compatible clone of re. So this is much closer of a clone to real as compared to closer of a clone to real as compared to closer of a clone to real as compared to something like what Alma Linux provides.

something like what Alma Linux provides. something like what Alma Linux provides. So if you're looking for something as So if you're looking for something as So if you're looking for something as close to RE as possible and you can't close to RE as possible and you can't close to RE as possible and you can't use real for free for whatever reason, use real for free for whatever reason, use real for free for whatever reason, Rocky Linux is the way to go for that. Rocky Linux is the way to go for that. Rocky Linux is the way to go for that. Rocky also supports Risk 5 CPUs. While Rocky also supports Risk 5 CPUs. While Rocky also supports Risk 5 CPUs. While re does that too, Alma Linux does not. re does that too, Alma Linux does not. re does that too, Alma Linux does not. So that could be a cool benefit for So that could be a cool benefit for So that could be a cool benefit for Rocky. However, because Rocky is trying Rocky. However, because Rocky is trying Rocky. However, because Rocky is trying to be bug forbug compatible with Re, to be bug forbug compatible with Re, to be bug forbug compatible with Re, they do tend to move a little bit slower they do tend to move a little bit slower they do tend to move a little bit slower since everything needs to be implemented since everything needs to be implemented since everything needs to be implemented into RE first before it makes its way into RE first before it makes its way into RE first before it makes its way into Rocky. Some have argued that the into Rocky. Some have argued that the into Rocky. Some have argued that the governance of Rocky Linux is flawed as governance of Rocky Linux is flawed as governance of Rocky Linux is flawed as the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation the Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation is not actually registered as a is not actually registered as a is not actually registered as a nonprofit but is a public benefits nonprofit but is a public benefits nonprofit but is a public benefits corporation that is supposed to be a corporation that is supposed to be a corporation that is supposed to be a self-imposed for nonprofit. self-imposed for nonprofit. self-imposed for nonprofit. Additionally, Gregory Curts is the Additionally, Gregory Curts is the Additionally, Gregory Curts is the president of Rocky Enterprise Software president of Rocky Enterprise Software president of Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation that runs Rocky. But Gregory Foundation that runs Rocky. But Gregory Foundation that runs Rocky. But Gregory Curtz also owns CIQ, which is a company Curtz also owns CIQ, which is a company Curtz also owns CIQ, which is a company that provides their own version of Rocky that provides their own version of Rocky that provides their own version of Rocky Linux with corporate support similar to Linux with corporate support similar to Linux with corporate support similar to what Red Hat does for RE. So this could what Red Hat does for RE. So this could what Red Hat does for RE. So this could be a conflict of interest. Additionally, be a conflict of interest. Additionally, be a conflict of interest. Additionally, Rocky Linux also gets their package Rocky Linux also gets their package Rocky Linux also gets their package sources from loopholes by getting sRPMs sources from loopholes by getting sRPMs sources from loopholes by getting sRPMs through Red Hat universal base images through Red Hat universal base images through Red Hat universal base images and payer cloud instances. These are and payer cloud instances. These are and payer cloud instances. These are hacky workarounds to Re's subscription hacky workarounds to Re's subscription hacky workarounds to Re's subscription and frankly seem like kind of a legal and frankly seem like kind of a legal and frankly seem like kind of a legal gray area to me. Definitely as a gray area to me. Definitely as a gray area to me. Definitely as a non-awyer, I'm not accusing anybody of

non-awyer, I'm not accusing anybody of non-awyer, I'm not accusing anybody of anything. Although Rocky states there, anything. Although Rocky states there, anything. Although Rocky states there, and I quote, "Legal advisers have and I quote, "Legal advisers have and I quote, "Legal advisers have assured us that we have the right to assured us that we have the right to assured us that we have the right to obtain the source to any binaries we obtain the source to any binaries we obtain the source to any binaries we receive. So take for that what you receive. So take for that what you receive. So take for that what you will." All of this again makes Rocky a will." All of this again makes Rocky a will." All of this again makes Rocky a closer clone to Re than Alma Linux is, closer clone to Re than Alma Linux is, closer clone to Re than Alma Linux is, but just some of these things about but just some of these things about but just some of these things about Rocky still make me gravitate a little Rocky still make me gravitate a little Rocky still make me gravitate a little bit more towards Alma Linux. Now, let's bit more towards Alma Linux. Now, let's bit more towards Alma Linux. Now, let's talk about some of the RE clones that talk about some of the RE clones that talk about some of the RE clones that are not communitybacked. And let's start are not communitybacked. And let's start are not communitybacked. And let's start with Oracle Linux. Back in 2006, Oracle with Oracle Linux. Back in 2006, Oracle with Oracle Linux. Back in 2006, Oracle ran a business building a lot of ran a business building a lot of ran a business building a lot of software for Rail, such as the Oracle software for Rail, such as the Oracle software for Rail, such as the Oracle database. But this did mean many of database. But this did mean many of database. But this did mean many of their customers were purchasing rail their customers were purchasing rail their customers were purchasing rail subscriptions just to run Oracle subscriptions just to run Oracle subscriptions just to run Oracle software. So Oracle introduced software. So Oracle introduced software. So Oracle introduced Unbreakable Linux which was their own Unbreakable Linux which was their own Unbreakable Linux which was their own support program for rail that was also support program for rail that was also support program for rail that was also cheaper. One thing that makes Oracle cheaper. One thing that makes Oracle cheaper. One thing that makes Oracle Linux special is that it has its own Linux special is that it has its own Linux special is that it has its own unbreakable enterprise kernel which has unbreakable enterprise kernel which has unbreakable enterprise kernel which has some Oracle developed kernel some Oracle developed kernel some Oracle developed kernel optimizations and this is often based on optimizations and this is often based on optimizations and this is often based on newer versions of mainline Linux as newer versions of mainline Linux as newer versions of mainline Linux as opposed to the Red Hat kernel. It is opposed to the Red Hat kernel. It is opposed to the Red Hat kernel. It is also of course the recommended rail also of course the recommended rail also of course the recommended rail clone for running Oracle products on.

clone for running Oracle products on. clone for running Oracle products on. Oracle Linux is free to use, but if you Oracle Linux is free to use, but if you Oracle Linux is free to use, but if you want corpus support you have to buy a want corpus support you have to buy a want corpus support you have to buy a subscription from Oracle. Now, not subscription from Oracle. Now, not subscription from Oracle. Now, not technically a real clone, but is technically a real clone, but is technically a real clone, but is definitely definitely worth a mention, definitely definitely worth a mention, definitely definitely worth a mention, and that is Fedora. This can be a great and that is Fedora. This can be a great and that is Fedora. This can be a great re alternative because Fedora is re alternative because Fedora is re alternative because Fedora is upstream of RE. The environment to the upstream of RE. The environment to the upstream of RE. The environment to the OS tends to be very similar to a RE OS tends to be very similar to a RE OS tends to be very similar to a RE environment, but with much newer environment, but with much newer environment, but with much newer packages. So, if you want something packages. So, if you want something packages. So, if you want something similar to use as RA, but not an LTS similar to use as RA, but not an LTS similar to use as RA, but not an LTS Fedora, is a pretty decent way to go, Fedora, is a pretty decent way to go, Fedora, is a pretty decent way to go, especially if you're running it on a especially if you're running it on a especially if you're running it on a desktop computer or a home lab. Those desktop computer or a home lab. Those desktop computer or a home lab. Those are great use cases. However, if you're are great use cases. However, if you're are great use cases. However, if you're looking for an LTS distribution like RE, looking for an LTS distribution like RE, looking for an LTS distribution like RE, stay away from Fedora. Now, real quick, stay away from Fedora. Now, real quick, stay away from Fedora. Now, real quick, an update on a bunch of the an update on a bunch of the an update on a bunch of the distributions that I mentioned in the distributions that I mentioned in the distributions that I mentioned in the last video. They have since been last video. They have since been last video. They have since been discontinued. So, we'll go over those discontinued. So, we'll go over those discontinued. So, we'll go over those and then we'll do a sidebyside and then we'll do a sidebyside and then we'll do a sidebyside comparison of the rail clones that we comparison of the rail clones that we comparison of the rail clones that we talked about so you can see some of the talked about so you can see some of the talked about so you can see some of the differences for yourself. First off, in differences for yourself. First off, in differences for yourself. First off, in my last video, I showed Euro Linux as a my last video, I showed Euro Linux as a my last video, I showed Euro Linux as a smaller corporatebacked clone of RE, but smaller corporatebacked clone of RE, but smaller corporatebacked clone of RE, but Euro Linux is no longer maintained as a Euro Linux is no longer maintained as a Euro Linux is no longer maintained as a distribution and they themselves are distribution and they themselves are distribution and they themselves are recommending the migration to Rocky recommending the migration to Rocky recommending the migration to Rocky Linux. I also showed V or Vise Linux as Linux. I also showed V or Vise Linux as Linux. I also showed V or Vise Linux as another corporatebacked enterprise Linux another corporatebacked enterprise Linux another corporatebacked enterprise Linux clone, but there hasn't been a release clone, but there hasn't been a release clone, but there hasn't been a release since the beta for 9 and it seems like a

since the beta for 9 and it seems like a since the beta for 9 and it seems like a dead project for now. In a similar vein, dead project for now. In a similar vein, dead project for now. In a similar vein, Navy Linux, which I mentioned in the Navy Linux, which I mentioned in the Navy Linux, which I mentioned in the last video as a smaller alternative, last video as a smaller alternative, last video as a smaller alternative, they haven't released since May of 2020. they haven't released since May of 2020. they haven't released since May of 2020. So, probably going to call this project So, probably going to call this project So, probably going to call this project dead. Finally, Circle Linux, which is a dead. Finally, Circle Linux, which is a dead. Finally, Circle Linux, which is a Chinese rebuild of Railbacked by Huawei Chinese rebuild of Railbacked by Huawei Chinese rebuild of Railbacked by Huawei and Tencent. They haven't had a release and Tencent. They haven't had a release and Tencent. They haven't had a release since July of 2024 with Circle Linux since July of 2024 with Circle Linux since July of 2024 with Circle Linux 9.3, and we're currently on real 9.6 for 9.3, and we're currently on real 9.6 for 9.3, and we're currently on real 9.6 for the Real 9 series. So, it's definitely the Real 9 series. So, it's definitely the Real 9 series. So, it's definitely behind and I kind of want to call it behind and I kind of want to call it behind and I kind of want to call it dead. Like I said in my last video, aged dead. Like I said in my last video, aged dead. Like I said in my last video, aged like milk with all these options being like milk with all these options being like milk with all these options being discontinued, but the options that still discontinued, but the options that still discontinued, but the options that still exist have evolved. So, let's kind of exist have evolved. So, let's kind of exist have evolved. So, let's kind of compare those now with the chart. Now, compare those now with the chart. Now, compare those now with the chart. Now, here is my comparison sheet and as you here is my comparison sheet and as you here is my comparison sheet and as you can see, Rocky is the only DRO here can see, Rocky is the only DRO here can see, Rocky is the only DRO here fully bugtodebug compatible with Red Hat fully bugtodebug compatible with Red Hat fully bugtodebug compatible with Red Hat while Alma and Oracle are just binary while Alma and Oracle are just binary while Alma and Oracle are just binary compatible and CentOS stream is a compatible and CentOS stream is a compatible and CentOS stream is a upstream upstream upstream of RAL. So, it won't be fully compatible of RAL. So, it won't be fully compatible of RAL. So, it won't be fully compatible just because there may be newer packages just because there may be newer packages just because there may be newer packages with AI changes. All of these dros have with AI changes. All of these dros have with AI changes. All of these dros have a 10-year life cycle except for CentOS a 10-year life cycle except for CentOS a 10-year life cycle except for CentOS stream which only has a 5-year one. Red stream which only has a 5-year one. Red stream which only has a 5-year one. Red Hat and Oracle provide first-party Hat and Oracle provide first-party Hat and Oracle provide first-party support for their distros, whereas CIQ support for their distros, whereas CIQ support for their distros, whereas CIQ provides corporate support for Rocky provides corporate support for Rocky provides corporate support for Rocky Linux. And you may kind of argue they're Linux. And you may kind of argue they're Linux. And you may kind of argue they're first-party support since CIQ heavily first-party support since CIQ heavily first-party support since CIQ heavily involved with Rocky anyways with the involved with Rocky anyways with the involved with Rocky anyways with the same owners, but technically on paper,

same owners, but technically on paper, same owners, but technically on paper, CIQ is third-party support. Alma Linux CIQ is third-party support. Alma Linux CIQ is third-party support. Alma Linux you can get thirdparty enterprise you can get thirdparty enterprise you can get thirdparty enterprise support for through Tuxare and Cyber support for through Tuxare and Cyber support for through Tuxare and Cyber Trust. Now, Alma Linux has been able to Trust. Now, Alma Linux has been able to Trust. Now, Alma Linux has been able to ship major releases the fastest of any ship major releases the fastest of any ship major releases the fastest of any rail rebuilt with just seven days rail rebuilt with just seven days rail rebuilt with just seven days between Re 10 and Alma 10. And they between Re 10 and Alma 10. And they between Re 10 and Alma 10. And they delivered Alma Linux 9.6 the same day as delivered Alma Linux 9.6 the same day as delivered Alma Linux 9.6 the same day as re 9.6. Rocky Linux takes a bit longer re 9.6. Rocky Linux takes a bit longer re 9.6. Rocky Linux takes a bit longer about 15 days between Re and Rocky 9.6 about 15 days between Re and Rocky 9.6 about 15 days between Re and Rocky 9.6 and 23 days between Re and Rocky 10. and and 23 days between Re and Rocky 10. and and 23 days between Re and Rocky 10. and Oracle can deliver minor updates a bit Oracle can deliver minor updates a bit Oracle can deliver minor updates a bit faster with 7 days between re and Oracle faster with 7 days between re and Oracle faster with 7 days between re and Oracle Linux 9.6. Oracle 10 took 47 days after Linux 9.6. Oracle 10 took 47 days after Linux 9.6. Oracle 10 took 47 days after real 10 to come out which is quite a real 10 to come out which is quite a real 10 to come out which is quite a long time in comparison. I also checked long time in comparison. I also checked long time in comparison. I also checked the compatibility with some common the compatibility with some common the compatibility with some common software. Uh C panel is officially software. Uh C panel is officially software. Uh C panel is officially supported by the C panel team on relo supported by the C panel team on relo supported by the C panel team on relo and rocky but not Oracle or stream. I and rocky but not Oracle or stream. I and rocky but not Oracle or stream. I also checked Oracle database since it's also checked Oracle database since it's also checked Oracle database since it's very common to run Oracle software on very common to run Oracle software on very common to run Oracle software on rail and Oracle officially supports rail and Oracle officially supports rail and Oracle officially supports running it on rail and of course Oracle running it on rail and of course Oracle running it on rail and of course Oracle Linux which not not much of a surprise Linux which not not much of a surprise Linux which not not much of a surprise there. As for bonus features, right now there. As for bonus features, right now there. As for bonus features, right now Rocky supports riv and Oracle has its Rocky supports riv and Oracle has its Rocky supports riv and Oracle has its unbreakable kernel, but Alma has the unbreakable kernel, but Alma has the unbreakable kernel, but Alma has the kitten branch, which is the edge branch kitten branch, which is the edge branch kitten branch, which is the edge branch essentially, and supports more older essentially, and supports more older essentially, and supports more older hardware that rail doesn't want to hardware that rail doesn't want to hardware that rail doesn't want to support, and they're more down to add

support, and they're more down to add support, and they're more down to add things that don't break binary things that don't break binary things that don't break binary compatibility. Finally, ownership wise, compatibility. Finally, ownership wise, compatibility. Finally, ownership wise, Oracle and Red Hat are owned by mega Oracle and Red Hat are owned by mega Oracle and Red Hat are owned by mega corporations, which honestly is probably corporations, which honestly is probably corporations, which honestly is probably something you want if you are purchasing something you want if you are purchasing something you want if you are purchasing a support package. But for your own a support package. But for your own a support package. But for your own personal projects, you probably want personal projects, you probably want personal projects, you probably want something that's a bit more of a something that's a bit more of a something that's a bit more of a communitybacked project, which Alma communitybacked project, which Alma communitybacked project, which Alma Linux is the best since it is backed by Linux is the best since it is backed by Linux is the best since it is backed by a real nonprofit and not just a pretend a real nonprofit and not just a pretend a real nonprofit and not just a pretend nonprofit that's actually a p public nonprofit that's actually a p public nonprofit that's actually a p public benefit corp like Rocky is. So with benefit corp like Rocky is. So with benefit corp like Rocky is. So with this, here are my final use cases I this, here are my final use cases I this, here are my final use cases I recommend for each rail itself is the recommend for each rail itself is the recommend for each rail itself is the best option for enterprise use. Alma best option for enterprise use. Alma best option for enterprise use. Alma Linux is my go-to rail clone for any Linux is my go-to rail clone for any Linux is my go-to rail clone for any other use case due to it being binary other use case due to it being binary other use case due to it being binary compatible but having a bigger community compatible but having a bigger community compatible but having a bigger community around it plus providing bonuses like around it plus providing bonuses like around it plus providing bonuses like increased hardware support and it's the increased hardware support and it's the increased hardware support and it's the fastest for getting updates. CentOS fastest for getting updates. CentOS fastest for getting updates. CentOS stream is great if you want an stream is great if you want an stream is great if you want an enterprise Linux-based desktop or need enterprise Linux-based desktop or need enterprise Linux-based desktop or need something for your home lab and I don't something for your home lab and I don't something for your home lab and I don't mind newer packages at the slight mind newer packages at the slight mind newer packages at the slight expense of stability. Refree is great if expense of stability. Refree is great if expense of stability. Refree is great if you're trying to teach yourself Red Hat you're trying to teach yourself Red Hat you're trying to teach yourself Red Hat thanks to it literally just being re and thanks to it literally just being re and thanks to it literally just being re and giving you access to all the giving you access to all the giving you access to all the documentation. And then Rocky Linux is documentation. And then Rocky Linux is documentation. And then Rocky Linux is the closest of the clones to actual Red the closest of the clones to actual Red the closest of the clones to actual Red Hat which is good if you need something Hat which is good if you need something Hat which is good if you need something identical to Red Hat but you don't need identical to Red Hat but you don't need identical to Red Hat but you don't need that corporate support. And then Oracle that corporate support. And then Oracle that corporate support. And then Oracle is good if you want to purchase is good if you want to purchase is good if you want to purchase corporate support for cheaper than corporate support for cheaper than corporate support for cheaper than regular re or if you just want to run regular re or if you just want to run regular re or if you just want to run Oracle software. So that's our video

Oracle software. So that's our video Oracle software. So that's our video covering all the options in the Red Hat covering all the options in the Red Hat covering all the options in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux space. I do hope you Enterprise Linux space. I do hope you Enterprise Linux space. I do hope you enjoyed. I hope you found something enjoyed. I hope you found something enjoyed. I hope you found something slightly beneficial if you're curious slightly beneficial if you're curious slightly beneficial if you're curious about all these different options. I about all these different options. I about all these different options. I will leave a link down below to a will leave a link down below to a will leave a link down below to a article go with the chart and everything article go with the chart and everything article go with the chart and everything we talked about. So check below if we talked about. So check below if we talked about. So check below if you're interested in that. And for more you're interested in that. And for more you're interested in that. And for more videos like this, do make sure you videos like this, do make sure you videos like this, do make sure you subscribe to this channel.