AlmaLinux 9

Basic Information

• Model: Enterprise-grade Linux distribution, binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
• Version: AlmaLinux 9.x. The latest stable minor version is AlmaLinux OS 9.6.
• Release Date: AlmaLinux 9.0 GA was released on May 26, 2022.
• Supported Architectures: Intel/AMD (x86_64), ARM64 (aarch64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x).
• Latest Stable Version: AlmaLinux OS 9.6.
• End of Support Date: Active support for AlmaLinux 9.x extends until May 31, 2027.
• End of Life Date: Security support for AlmaLinux 9.x is provided until May 31, 2032.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Each minor version of AlmaLinux reaches its end of life upon the release of the subsequent minor version. However, stable and thoroughly tested updates and security patches for the major version (9.x) are shipped until its end of life in 2032.
• License Type: Open-source. The AlmaLinux OS compilation copyright is licensed under GPLv2. Content on official websites is typically licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, with some content like SBOMs under CC0, and unique libraries often under MIT license.
• Deployment Model: Available as ISO images, cloud images (for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, OpenNebula), container images (OCI, Docker, UBI compatible), live media, Raspberry Pi images, Vagrant boxes, and a terminal environment for Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 1.5 GB. 512 MB is sufficient for minimal installations, 2 GB is recommended for general use, and 4 GB is recommended for graphical installations.
• Processor: 64-bit x86 processor (x86_64-v2 instruction set or newer), AArch64, ppc64le, or s390x. A minimum of a 1 GHz dual-core processor is required.
• Storage: Minimum 10 GB of available disk space. 20 GB is recommended for general use, while a minimal setup can operate with 1 GB.
• Display: Not explicitly specified, but standard display capabilities are assumed for graphical environments. Minimal installations do not include a pre-installed desktop environment.
• Ports: An Ethernet network interface is recommended for installation and updates.
• Operating System: AlmaLinux 9 is a standalone operating system designed to run directly on compatible hardware architectures.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: AlmaLinux 9 offers flexible technical requirements, catering to a range of deployments from minimal server installations to graphical workstations. It supports diverse hardware architectures, including Intel/AMD, ARM, IBM PowerPC, and IBM Z. A key consideration for x86_64 processors is the requirement for the x86_64-v2 instruction set, meaning older CPUs lacking this instruction set are not supported. This ensures modern performance and security features while maintaining compatibility with a broad spectrum of enterprise hardware.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: AlmaLinux OS 9.6.
• OS Support: Supports Intel/AMD (x86_64), ARM64 (aarch64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x) architectures. It is compatible with both BIOS and UEFI firmware interfaces.
• End of Support Date: Active support is guaranteed until May 31, 2027, with security support extending to May 31, 2032.
• Localization: The installation process supports various languages, allowing users to select their preferred language and keyboard layout.
• Available Drivers: AlmaLinux 9 is binary compatible with RHEL, ensuring extensive compatibility with hardware and software designed for RHEL. This includes support for a wide array of drivers and applications. It also continues to support some older hardware devices that RHEL might no longer officially support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: AlmaLinux 9 demonstrates robust support and compatibility, largely due to its commitment to binary compatibility with RHEL. This ensures that applications and hardware drivers compatible with RHEL function seamlessly on AlmaLinux. The extended support lifecycle, with security updates until 2032, makes it a reliable choice for long-term enterprise deployments. The availability across multiple architectures and cloud platforms further enhances its versatility and broad compatibility.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes Errata for security advisories, GPG keys for package verification, OpenSCAP and OVAL for security compliance auditing, Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for supply chain security, and Secure Boot support. It also features Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) for mandatory access control, Firewalld for network protection, Fail2ban for intrusion prevention, AIDE for file integrity monitoring, and an Audit daemon for logging security-relevant events. SSH root login is disabled by default, and customizable TLS/SSL encryption settings are available in Rsyslog.
• Known Vulnerabilities: As a RHEL-compatible distribution, AlmaLinux 9 shares potential vulnerabilities with RHEL. The AlmaLinux OS Foundation provides timely patches and errata to address these.
• Blacklist Status: No information indicates a blacklist status for AlmaLinux 9.
• Certifications: AlmaLinux OS 9.2 is FIPS-140 compliant.
• Encryption Support: Supports disk encryption during installation. Customizable TLS/SSL encryption settings are available for improved log processing security.
• Authentication Methods: Supports smart card authentication for remote hosts.
• General Recommendations: Emphasizes a multi-layer defense strategy, mandatory access control through SELinux, intrusion prevention, file integrity monitoring, comprehensive security auditing, and SSH hardening for secure access.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: AlmaLinux 9 offers a strong, enterprise-grade security foundation, inheriting many robust features from RHEL. Its comprehensive suite of security tools, including SELinux, OpenSCAP, and Secure Boot, provides multi-layered protection. The commitment to timely security updates and FIPS-140 compliance for specific versions further solidifies its position as a secure operating system suitable for critical environments.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not detailed in the provided information. However, AlmaLinux 9 is designed for high workloads and performs exceptionally well under heavy loads.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Exhibits a low memory footprint, efficient resource usage, minimal system processes, and low CPU utilization. It demonstrates excellent network performance, handling high bandwidth and throughput without significant latency issues. Tools like Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) are available for in-depth monitoring, visualization, and analysis of system-level performance measurements. Other monitoring tools include top, htop, iostat, dstat, and vmstat.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed. However, its efficient resource usage and low memory footprint suggest optimized power consumption for the operating system itself.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed. The carbon footprint is primarily dependent on the underlying hardware and data center efficiency rather than the operating system alone.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: AlmaLinux 9 is binary compatible with RHEL and is often compared to other RHEL derivatives like Rocky Linux. It is recognized for its robust and reliable performance in server and enterprise environments, similar to its upstream counterpart.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: AlmaLinux 9 delivers robust and stable performance, making it well-suited for demanding server and enterprise workloads. Its design emphasizes efficient resource management, allowing it to maintain stability and responsiveness even under significant stress. The availability of advanced performance monitoring tools further empowers administrators to optimize and fine-tune system behavior.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback highlight AlmaLinux 9 as a highly regarded, free, and open-source enterprise-grade Linux distribution.

• Strengths: Users praise its stability, reliability, and binary compatibility with RHEL, which ensures seamless migration and application compatibility. It is seen as an excellent replacement for CentOS, offering timely updates and a strong community-driven development model. Its efficient resource usage, low memory footprint, and robust performance under heavy loads are also frequently cited as advantages. The comprehensive security features are highly valued for enterprise deployments.
• Weaknesses: Some users note that minor versions reach end of life quickly upon the release of the next minor version, which may necessitate more frequent updates for certain use cases. The shift to the x86_64-v2 instruction set for x86_64 processors means that very old CPUs (x86_64-v1) are no longer supported, which can be a limitation for users with legacy hardware.
• Recommended Use Cases: AlmaLinux 9 is widely recommended for enterprise environments, servers, cloud deployments, containerization, High-Performance Computing (HPC), VFX clusters, small businesses, and even home labs or Raspberry Pi projects. It is particularly favored by those seeking a stable, free, and RHEL-compatible operating system.

Summary

AlmaLinux Foundation AlmaLinux 9 stands as a robust, stable, and community-driven enterprise-grade Linux distribution, serving as a direct, binary-compatible alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. Released on May 26, 2022, AlmaLinux 9 offers extensive support across diverse architectures including x86_64, AArch64, ppc64le, and s390x, ensuring broad hardware compatibility. It provides long-term support, with active updates until May 2027 and security patches extending to May 2032, making it an ideal choice for environments requiring prolonged stability.

The operating system boasts flexible technical requirements, accommodating systems with as little as 1.5 GB RAM and 10 GB storage, while recommending higher specifications for graphical or production environments. A notable technical aspect is its adoption of the x86_64-v2 instruction set for x86_64 processors, which enhances performance but means older CPUs lacking this instruction set are no longer supported.

Security is a core strength, with features inherited from RHEL such as SELinux, Secure Boot, OpenSCAP, and comprehensive vulnerability management through errata. AlmaLinux 9.2 is FIPS-140 compliant, underscoring its suitability for secure deployments. Performance is optimized for server and enterprise workloads, exhibiting efficient resource utilization and stability under heavy loads, with tools like Performance Co-Pilot available for detailed monitoring.

User feedback consistently praises AlmaLinux 9 for its reliability, stability, and its role as a free, enterprise-ready CentOS replacement. While minor versions have a shorter lifecycle, the overall long-term support for the major release is a significant advantage. It is highly recommended for servers, cloud infrastructure, and any scenario demanding a robust, secure, and RHEL-compatible Linux environment.

Recommendations: AlmaLinux 9 is an excellent choice for organizations and individuals seeking a stable, secure, and cost-effective enterprise Linux distribution with a long support lifecycle. It is particularly well-suited for migrating from CentOS or for new deployments requiring RHEL compatibility. Users should ensure their x86_64 processors support the x86_64-v2 instruction set for optimal compatibility. For critical environments, leveraging its extensive security features and monitoring capabilities is highly advisable.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.