Oracle Linux 7

Basic Information

• Model: Oracle Linux 7
• Version: Oracle Linux 7.x, with the latest stable release being 7.9.
• Release Date: Initial release on July 23, 2014.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 1 GB per logical CPU recommended.
  • Processor: 2 logical CPUs recommended.
  • Storage: 1 GB minimum, 5 GB recommended.
• Supported Architectures: x86-64.
• Latest Stable Version: Oracle Linux 7.9.
• End of Support Date:
  • Premier Support: Ended December 2024.
  • Extended Support: Available until June 2028.
  • Sustaining Support: Indefinite.
• End of Life Date: December 31, 2024, for free security updates.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Free security updates cease after December 31, 2024, without Extended Support.
• License Type: Freely available enterprise-grade Linux distribution.
• Deployment Model: Supports on-premise, cloud (Oracle Cloud Infrastructure), and virtualized environments (KVM, Xen, VMware).

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 1 GB per logical CPU recommended, with theoretical support up to 64 TB.
• Processor: Minimum 2 logical CPUs recommended. Supports up to 2048 logical CPUs (validated) and theoretically up to 5120 logical CPUs on x86-64 systems.
• Storage: Minimum 1 GB, with 5 GB recommended for installation. Supports file systems such as XFS (default), Btrfs, and ext4. Maximum file system size is 8 EiB for Btrfs and XFS, and 1 EiB for ext4. Bootable Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs) up to 50 TB are supported, requiring GPT and UEFI for LUNs larger than 2 TB.
• Display: Standard graphical or console output is supported.
• Ports: Standard network ports are utilized for services; firewallD is enabled by default for network security.
• Operating System: Oracle Linux 7 itself.

Analysis of Technical Requirements: Oracle Linux 7 is designed for enterprise workloads, supporting substantial hardware resources. The recommended specifications are practical for most server deployments, with high theoretical limits that allow for significant scalability and demanding applications.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Oracle Linux 7.9.
• OS Support: Primarily supports the x86-64 architecture. It offers both the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) and the Red Hat Compatible Kernel (RHCK).
• End of Support Date: Premier Support concluded in December 2024. Extended Support is available until June 2028, with indefinite Sustaining Support.
• Localization: As an enterprise operating system, it generally supports multiple language locales.
• Available Drivers: Relies on in-distro drivers. Oracle recommends keeping the system updated to the latest kernel versions for optimal driver support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: Oracle Linux 7 provides robust compatibility with enterprise hardware and virtualization platforms. The dual-kernel approach (UEK and RHCK) offers flexibility. However, users must note the transition from Premier to Extended Support, which impacts the availability of free security updates and patches. Planning for migration to newer Oracle Linux versions or securing Extended Support is crucial for continued support.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) for Mandatory Access Control, firewallD for network filtering, and Ksplice for zero-downtime kernel patching. It supports auditing via auditd, strong user authentication through PAM, and the use of separate partitions for system and user data. Package integrity is verified using Oracle GPG keys.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Addressed through regular security patches and updates, often delivered via Oracle Ksplice. Oracle provides OVAL definitions and security errata for tracking vulnerabilities.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for the operating system itself.
• Certifications: Holds Common Criteria (CC) Certification (OSPP v4.1, Oracle Linux 7.6 certified in May 2021) and FIPS 140-2 validation for its cryptographic modules.
• Encryption Support: Offers disk encryption during installation and utilizes FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules, supporting strong encryption algorithms.
• Authentication Methods: Supports password-based authentication, public key-based authentication for SSH, and X.509 certificates. PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules) is used to enforce strong password policies.
• General Recommendations: Best practices include minimizing the software footprint, tightening network and user access controls, protecting applications and data, maintaining up-to-date software, implementing security features, and adhering to operational security procedures.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: Oracle Linux 7 offers a robust and comprehensive security framework, featuring advanced capabilities like SELinux and Ksplice, alongside significant security certifications (CC, FIPS 140-2). Its design emphasizes secure deployment and operation, making it suitable for environments with stringent security requirements. Continuous application of security patches and adherence to recommended security practices are essential, particularly as the platform transitions into Extended Support.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not readily available in public documentation.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Engineered for enterprise-class performance, ensuring data integrity and high application uptime. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) is optimized for demanding workloads, including Online Transaction Processing (OLTP), InfiniBand, SSD disk access, NUMA optimizations, Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS), asynchronous I/O, OCFS2, Btrfs, and networking.
• Power Consumption: Metrics are highly dependent on the underlying hardware and specific workload configurations.
• Carbon Footprint: Metrics are highly dependent on the underlying hardware and specific workload configurations.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL 7), inheriting many of its features. Notably, Oracle Linux 7 provides support for the Xen hypervisor, which RHEL 7 does not.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: Oracle Linux 7 is designed for high performance and stability in critical enterprise environments, particularly benefiting from its optimized Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel. While specific benchmark figures are not widely published, its architectural design and kernel enhancements indicate strong performance capabilities for database systems and other resource-intensive applications.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Oracle Linux 7's stability and reliability, especially within Oracle's ecosystem. Strengths often cited include its enterprise-grade features, the benefit of Ksplice for applying kernel patches without reboots, and its robust security capabilities. It is frequently recommended for running Oracle databases and other critical enterprise applications, as well as in virtualized environments where high uptime is paramount.

A primary weakness identified is the conclusion of Premier Support in December 2024, which necessitates a transition to Extended Support or an upgrade to newer Oracle Linux versions (8 or 9) for continued free security updates. This transition can pose challenges for organizations with legacy applications or complex migration plans.

Recommended use cases include mission-critical servers, database hosts, and virtual machine platforms where stability, security, and integration with Oracle products are key requirements.

Summary

Oracle Linux 7 is a robust, enterprise-grade operating system designed for stability, performance, and security in demanding environments. Its strengths include a comprehensive security stack with SELinux, FIPS 140-2, and Common Criteria certifications, alongside the unique Ksplice technology for zero-downtime patching. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) provides significant performance optimizations for critical applications, particularly Oracle databases. It supports a wide range of hardware and virtualization technologies, making it a versatile choice for enterprise deployments.

However, a significant consideration is that Oracle Linux 7's Premier Support ended in December 2024. While Extended Support is available until June 2028, and Sustaining Support indefinitely, organizations relying on Oracle Linux 7 should plan for migration to newer versions like Oracle Linux 8 or 9 to ensure continued access to free security updates and the latest features. For those unable to upgrade immediately, securing Extended Support is crucial to maintain security and compliance.

Overall, Oracle Linux 7 remains a highly capable platform, especially for existing Oracle-centric infrastructures, but proactive planning for its support lifecycle is essential.

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.