Oracle Linux 8

Basic Information

Oracle Linux 8 is an enterprise-class operating system developed by Oracle, generally available since July 18, 2019. It is application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and is offered free to download, use, and distribute. Oracle Linux 8 is designed for performance, reliability, and scalability, particularly in environments running Oracle software. It utilizes a combination of BaseOS and Application Streams for package distribution.

• Model: Oracle Linux 8
• Version: Oracle Linux 8.x (e.g., 8.0, 8.10)
• Release Date: July 18, 2019
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 1 GB (x86-64), 2 GB (aarch64)
  • Disk Space: 652 MB for default components on x86-64 systems.
• Supported Architectures: x86-64 (Intel and AMD) and AArch64 (ARM64).
• Latest Stable Version: Oracle Linux 8.10 (as of recent image releases).
• End of Premier Support Date: July 31, 2029.
• End of Extended Support Date: July 31, 2032.
• End of Life Date: Indefinite for Sustaining Support.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly defined as a single date; updates are provided throughout the Premier Support lifecycle. Oracle Linux requires users to update to the most recent minor point release to continue receiving security updates.
• License Type: Free to use and distribute. Paid support is optional via Oracle Premier Support.
• Deployment Model: On-premise, cloud (Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Azure, AWS), and virtualized environments.

Technical Requirements

Oracle Linux 8 is designed to run on a variety of hardware, offering flexibility for enterprise deployments.

• RAM: Minimum 1 GB for x86-64 systems, 2 GB for AArch64 systems. More memory is recommended for high-performance workloads and per logical CPU.
• Processor: x86-64 (Intel and AMD) and AArch64 architectures are supported.
• Storage: A minimum of 652 MB disk space is required for default installations on x86-64. For Spacewalk servers managing Oracle Linux repositories, approximately 50 GB per Oracle Linux release and architecture combination is needed, with additional space for source packages and Ksplice updates. GPT and UEFI support are required for LUNs larger than 2 TB.
• Display: Basic display capabilities are sufficient for server installations; GUI desktop environments are available.
• Ports: Standard network connectivity is required. Specific port requirements depend on services deployed.
• Operating System: Oracle Linux 8 runs directly on supported hardware architectures.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for Oracle Linux 8 are modest for a base installation, making it suitable for a wide range of hardware, from minimal virtual machines to robust enterprise servers. The memory and storage requirements increase significantly with the scale of deployment and the number of services or managed repositories. Support for both x86-64 and AArch64 platforms ensures broad compatibility with modern server hardware. The emphasis on enterprise-grade stability and performance, particularly with the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), suggests that while minimums are low, optimal performance for demanding applications like Oracle databases will require more substantial resources.

Support & Compatibility

Oracle Linux 8 offers comprehensive support and compatibility, aligning with enterprise needs for stability and long-term viability.

• Latest Version: Oracle Linux 8.10.
• OS Support: Supports x86-64 and AArch64 architectures. It is application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• End of Support Date: Premier Support ends July 31, 2029, followed by Extended Support until July 31, 2032, and then indefinite Sustaining Support.
• Localization: Oracle Linux supports various languages, though specific details on localization packages would be part of the distribution.
• Available Drivers: Comprehensive driver support is provided through its kernels (RHCK and UEK) and is compatible with hardware supported by RHEL. Oracle Linux images in Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) include Oracle Ksplice technology for zero-downtime security updates.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Oracle Linux 8 boasts strong support and compatibility, crucial for enterprise environments. Its binary compatibility with RHEL ensures a vast ecosystem of applications and drivers work seamlessly. The long support lifecycle, extending to indefinite Sustaining Support, provides stability and predictability for long-term deployments. Oracle's commitment to providing updates and errata through the Unbreakable Linux Network (ULN) and public yum servers, even for unsupported installations, further enhances its appeal. However, users must stay on the latest minor point release to receive continuous security updates.

Security Status

Oracle Linux 8 is built with a strong focus on security, providing a comprehensive security stack and adherence to industry standards.

• Security Features: Real-time patching (Ksplice), automated software updates, certificate management tools, built-in firewall, mandatory access controls (SELinux), public key cryptography, data encryption tools, GPG key-signed packages, and TLS for secure updates. It also includes Udica for container security policies.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Oracle regularly releases errata and security advisories, which are accessible through the Oracle Linux yum server and ULN.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; Oracle Linux is a legitimate enterprise operating system.
• Certifications: Common Criteria (CC) certified against NIAP General Purpose Operating System Protection Profile (OSPP) v4.2.1. It also has Federal Information Processing Standard-140 (FIPS-140) validations for its cryptographic modules (e.g., NSS, OpenSSL, libgcrypt).
• Encryption Support: Natively supports partition encryption via Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS) technology, using ciphers like aes-xts-plain64.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various authentication mechanisms, including strong password policies, key-based, certificate-based, and token-based authentication.
• General Recommendations: Minimize software footprint, keep software updated, use strong authentication, limit user privileges, audit system records, and use services like OS Management Hub and Autonomous Linux for security management.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Oracle Linux 8 maintains a high security rating, evidenced by its robust feature set and adherence to stringent certifications like Common Criteria and FIPS 140-2. The inclusion of Ksplice for zero-downtime patching significantly reduces the attack surface by ensuring critical updates are applied without reboots. Strong encryption capabilities, mandatory access controls, and secure update mechanisms contribute to a hardened operating environment. Oracle's proactive approach to security advisories and best practice recommendations further solidifies its position as a secure choice for enterprise workloads.

Performance & Benchmarks

Oracle Linux 8 is optimized for performance, especially for Oracle software and demanding enterprise workloads.

• Benchmark Scores: While specific benchmark scores are not universally published for the OS itself, Oracle Linux is tuned for high performance, particularly with its Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK).
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Optimized for Oracle software, databases, virtualization, and networking. It delivers enhanced stability and flexibility for traditional and cloud-native workloads. Users report performance increases, especially for ERP databases.
• Power Consumption: Not typically measured at the OS level; power consumption is primarily hardware-dependent.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly attributable to the operating system; this is a function of the underlying hardware and data center efficiency.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Oracle Linux is application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and often compared favorably for its performance optimizations, particularly with the UEK.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Oracle Linux 8 is a performance-optimized operating system, particularly beneficial for environments running Oracle databases and other enterprise applications. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) is a key differentiator, providing performance enhancements for specific workloads, including virtualization and networking. Its design ensures applications run smoothly without bottlenecks, contributing to enhanced stability and flexibility in various deployment scenarios.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Oracle Linux 8's strengths in enterprise environments, particularly for Oracle-centric deployments, while acknowledging its niche focus.

• Strengths:
  • Enterprise-grade stability and reliability.
  • Optimized performance, especially for Oracle databases and applications.
  • Free to use, with optional paid enterprise support.
  • Ksplice for zero-downtime kernel updates.
  • Strong security features and certifications.
  • Binary compatibility with RHEL, ensuring broad application support.
  • Cloud-ready, with seamless integration into Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and support on other major clouds.
• Weaknesses:
  • Some users may perceive it as less community-driven compared to other Linux distributions.
  • Requires updating to the latest minor point release for continuous security updates, unlike RHEL's point release support.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • High-performance computing applications.
  • Enterprise-grade database management, especially Oracle Database and MySQL.
  • Deployment of microservices and containerized applications in cloud environments.
  • Development and testing environments.
  • Secure web hosting.
  • Virtualization and containers.
  • Regulated and secure environments.
  • As an operating system for internal systems and ERP solutions.

Summary

Oracle Linux 8 is a robust, enterprise-grade operating system offering a compelling solution for businesses seeking a stable, secure, and high-performance Linux distribution. Released in July 2019, it is freely available and binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring broad application and hardware compatibility.

Its strengths lie in its performance optimizations, particularly through the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), which is tuned for Oracle software, databases, virtualization, and networking. The inclusion of Ksplice for zero-downtime kernel and user-space library patching is a significant advantage, minimizing service interruptions for critical updates. Security is a paramount feature, with Common Criteria and FIPS 140-2 certifications, robust encryption support (LUKS), mandatory access controls (SELinux), and comprehensive authentication methods.

The support lifecycle is extensive, with Premier Support extending to July 2029 and Sustaining Support indefinitely, providing long-term stability for enterprise deployments. However, users must keep up with minor point releases to receive continuous security updates. Oracle Linux 8 is highly versatile, suitable for on-premise, cloud, and virtualized environments, making it ideal for high-performance computing, database management, microservices, and secure web hosting.

In essence, Oracle Linux 8 stands out as a highly secure and performant operating system, especially for organizations deeply integrated into the Oracle ecosystem or those requiring a RHEL-compatible, enterprise-grade Linux distribution with strong support and advanced security features.

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.