Oracle Linux 9

Basic Information

• Model/Version: Oracle Linux 9 (includes minor releases such as 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6).
• Release Date: Initial release (9.0) on June 30, 2022.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • CPU: 2 GHz 64-bit processor (x86-64, aarch64), minimum 2 logical CPUs.
  • RAM: 2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended; 1.5 GB per logical CPU, up to 64 TB maximum.
  • Disk Space: 10 GB minimum, 20 GB recommended.
  • Network: Network Interface Card (NIC) required.
• Supported Operating Systems: Runs on x86-64 (Intel and AMD) and 64-bit Arm (aarch64) architectures.
• Latest Stable Version: Oracle Linux 9 Update 5 (as of November 2024).
• End of Support Date (Premier Support): June 30, 2032.
• End of Life Date: June 30, 2034.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Oracle Linux does not support point releases once a newer version is available; users must update to the latest minor point release for continued security updates. Application Streams have varying lifecycles, some rolling, others with 2-5 year lifespans.
• License Type: Freely distributed, partially under GNU General Public License (GPL) and various other open-source licenses. Oracle Linux Premier Support includes restricted use licenses for specific components like Ksplice.
• Deployment Model: On-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments (Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Microsoft Azure, Amazon EC2).

Technical Requirements

• RAM: 2 GB minimum, 4 GB recommended. Supports 1.5 GB per logical CPU, with a maximum of 64 TB.
• Processor: 2 GHz 64-bit processor (x86-64, aarch64). Requires a minimum of 2 logical CPUs and supports up to 2048 logical CPUs.
• Storage: 10 GB minimum, 20 GB recommended. For UEFI systems, GPT (GUID Partition Table) is required for Logical Unit Numbers (LUNs) larger than 2 TB.
• Display: Standard display capabilities are assumed for server operating systems.
• Ports: A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a fundamental requirement.
• Operating System: Oracle Linux 9 itself is the operating system.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Oracle Linux 9 offers flexible technical requirements, supporting a wide range of hardware from minimal installations to high-end enterprise systems. The dual-kernel approach, featuring the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) and the Red Hat Compatible Kernel (RHCK), provides options for optimized performance and broad compatibility. The system scales significantly in terms of CPU and memory, making it suitable for demanding workloads and large-scale deployments. Storage requirements are modest for basic installations but scale with enterprise needs, with explicit support for large disk configurations via GPT on UEFI systems.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Oracle Linux 9.5.
• OS Support: Supports x86-64 (Intel and AMD) and 64-bit Arm (aarch64) architectures.
• End of Support Date (Premier Support): June 30, 2032.
• Localization: As an enterprise-grade operating system, Oracle Linux 9 generally supports multiple language locales, though specific details are not explicitly provided.
• Available Drivers: Utilizes in-distro drivers. All HPE drivers for Oracle Linux are open source and integrated into the upstream kernel. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel Release 7 (UEK R7) offers the latest hardware support.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Oracle Linux 9 boasts strong support and compatibility, primarily due to its 100% application binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This ensures that applications certified for RHEL run seamlessly on Oracle Linux. The inclusion of both the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) and the Red Hat Compatible Kernel (RHCK) provides flexibility; UEK is optimized by Oracle for performance and latest hardware, while RHCK ensures broad compatibility. Oracle provides Premier Support until 2032, followed by Extended and Sustaining Support options. A key distinction from RHEL is that Oracle Linux does not support older minor point releases once a newer one is available, necessitating updates to the latest minor release for ongoing security patches.

Security Status

• Security Features: Real-time patching via Ksplice, automated software updates, robust certificate management tools, a built-in firewall, mandatory access controls (SELinux), public key cryptography, and comprehensive data encryption tools. It includes Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP/NX). Package authenticity is verified using GPG keys.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Oracle Linux provides security errata and Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) tracking. Ksplice offers detection for known exploits.
• Blacklist Status: No information indicates a blacklist status.
• Certifications: FIPS 140-3 compliance and Common Criteria Certification.
• Encryption Support: Supports Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS) and the dm-crypt kernel module for block device encryption. It leverages hardware-accelerated encryption (AES-NI on Intel CPUs). Encryption is used for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Secure Shell (SSH) traffic. System passwords are encrypted using SHA-512 hashing. OpenSSL 3.2.2 provides enhanced cryptographic operations and FIPS 140-3 alignment.
• Authentication Methods: Configurable authentication mechanisms, including PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules) with SHA-512 hashing for local users, and OpenSSH for secure remote access.
• General Recommendations: Oracle recommends minimizing the software footprint, keeping all software up-to-date, restricting network access to critical services, controlling authentication mechanisms, enforcing strong password restrictions, and installing software from trusted sources.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Oracle Linux 9 offers a strong security posture, configured to be secure by default. It provides a comprehensive security stack, including proactive measures like real-time patching (Ksplice) and automated updates, alongside foundational security features such as SELinux and a built-in firewall. The operating system supports industry-standard certifications like FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria, indicating its suitability for environments with stringent security requirements. Robust encryption capabilities for data at rest (LUKS) and in transit (VPN, SSH with OpenSSL 3.2.2) are standard. Oracle's commitment to open-source community contributions and extensive security reviews further enhances its reliability.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific benchmark scores are not detailed in publicly available information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Optimized for performance, especially with the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK), which provides superior performance and features compared to the mainline kernel. It delivers enhanced speed, stability, and security for demanding workloads. Performance improvements are noted across automation, management, security, container management, and developer tools.
• Power Consumption: Specific power consumption metrics are not explicitly provided.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not explicitly provided.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Oracle Linux 9 is 100% application binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring similar application performance. The UEK is specifically engineered by Oracle to provide better performance and features for Oracle products and enterprise deployments.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Oracle Linux 9 is engineered for high performance, particularly when utilizing the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK). The UEK is optimized for Oracle's hardware and software, delivering enhanced speed and efficiency for critical workloads. Its binary compatibility with RHEL ensures that applications perform as expected, while Oracle's specific kernel optimizations aim to provide a performance edge. While explicit benchmark numbers are not readily available, the focus on enterprise workloads, cloud infrastructure, and engineered systems implies a strong performance profile.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights Oracle Linux 9's strengths in its enterprise-grade stability, security, and performance, particularly for Oracle-centric environments. Its 100% application binary compatibility with RHEL is a significant advantage, allowing seamless migration and deployment of existing RHEL-based applications. The Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) is frequently cited for its performance optimizations and support for the latest hardware. Users appreciate its free availability and the comprehensive support options offered by Oracle.

Potential weaknesses include the policy of not supporting older minor point releases once a newer one is available, which requires users to stay current with updates to receive security patches. Some users experienced delays in certification of Oracle products, such as Oracle Database 19c, on Oracle Linux 9, which could impact upgrade planning.

Recommended use cases include deploying scalable web servers, Content Management Systems (CMS), e-commerce solutions, and various databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle DB). It is well-suited for powering LAMP/LEMP stacks, hosting dynamic applications, building CI/CD pipelines, and deploying RESTful APIs. Oracle Linux 9 is particularly recommended for use with Oracle hardware and software products, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and Oracle Engineered Systems due to its deep integration and optimization.

Summary

Oracle Linux 9 is a robust, enterprise-grade operating system designed for demanding workloads across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. Its core strength lies in its 100% application binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring broad software compatibility and ease of migration. The dual-kernel approach, featuring the performance-optimized Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) and the Red Hat Compatible Kernel (RHCK), provides flexibility and cutting-edge hardware support.

The asset offers a comprehensive security stack, including real-time patching (Ksplice), mandatory access controls (SELinux), robust encryption (LUKS, OpenSSL 3.2.2), and adherence to certifications like FIPS 140-3 and Common Criteria. Its long Premier Support lifecycle until June 2032 provides stability for enterprise deployments.

While performance benchmarks are not explicitly detailed, the UEK is specifically engineered for enhanced speed and efficiency, particularly beneficial for Oracle's own products and critical enterprise applications. User feedback generally praises its stability, security, and suitability for database and web application hosting. A notable consideration is the requirement to update to the latest minor point release for continuous security updates, as older minor versions are not independently supported.

Overall, Oracle Linux 9 is a highly capable and secure operating system, particularly advantageous for organizations invested in the Oracle ecosystem or those seeking a RHEL-compatible distribution with advanced kernel optimizations and extensive support. Its strengths in security, performance, and compatibility make it a strong contender for mission-critical enterprise asset management.

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.