Rocky Linux 9

Basic information

Rocky Linux 9 is an enterprise-grade open-source operating system, a downstream rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 9, providing a stable, production-ready platform.

• Model: Rocky Linux 9
• Version: Rocky Linux 9.x (e.g., 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3)
• Release Date: Rocky Linux 9.0 was initially released on July 14, 2022.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • RAM: 1.5 GB
  • Processor: 2 CPU cores
  • Storage: 20 GB
• Supported Operating Systems: Rocky Linux 9 itself is an operating system. It supports various hardware architectures.
• Latest Stable Version: Rocky Linux 9.3, released on November 20, 2023.
• End of Support Date: May 31, 2032.
• End of Life Date: May 31, 2032.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Updates are provided throughout the support lifecycle until the End of Life date.
• License Type: Open Source, primarily under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
• Deployment Model: On-premise, virtualized environments (VMware, KVM, VirtualBox, Hyper-V), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure), and containers.

Technical Requirements

Rocky Linux 9 is designed for a wide range of hardware, from minimal server configurations to high-performance computing environments. It supports multiple architectures, ensuring flexibility for various deployment scenarios.

• RAM: Minimum 1.5 GB for basic installation, 2 GB recommended for graphical environments, and significantly more for production servers or resource-intensive applications.
• Processor: Minimum 2 CPU cores. Supports x86-64, AArch64 (ARM64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x) architectures.
• Storage: Minimum 20 GB for a basic installation, with 40 GB or more recommended for general use and additional software.
• Display: A text-based console is sufficient for server installations. A display with at least 1024x768 resolution is recommended for graphical desktop environments.
• Ports: Network connectivity (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is essential for updates and network services. USB ports are standard for peripheral connections.
• Operating System: Rocky Linux 9 is the operating system itself, requiring compatible hardware.

Analysis: Rocky Linux 9's technical requirements are modest for a modern enterprise OS, making it suitable for deployment on older hardware, virtual machines, and cloud instances. The broad architectural support (x86-64, ARM64, PowerPC, s390x) allows for significant flexibility in hardware choice, from traditional servers to specialized systems. The minimum requirements are sufficient for basic server roles, while scalable resources are necessary for demanding applications and large-scale deployments.

Support & Compatibility

Rocky Linux 9 offers robust support and broad compatibility, benefiting from its direct lineage to RHEL. The project emphasizes long-term stability and community-driven support.

• Latest Version: Rocky Linux 9.3.
• OS Support: Rocky Linux 9 is the OS. It supports hardware based on x86-64, AArch64 (ARM64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x) architectures.
• End of Support Date: May 31, 2032, providing a ten-year lifecycle from its initial release.
• Localization: Supports a wide range of languages for both the command-line interface and graphical desktop environments, including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and many others.
• Available Drivers: Benefits from the extensive hardware driver support inherited from RHEL, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of network cards, storage controllers, graphics adapters, and other peripherals. Specific drivers for specialized hardware may be available through third-party repositories or direct manufacturer support.

Analysis: Rocky Linux 9's long support lifecycle (10 years) makes it an excellent choice for enterprise deployments requiring stability and predictability. Its direct compatibility with RHEL ensures that most applications and hardware certified for RHEL will function seamlessly on Rocky Linux. The strong community support, coupled with commercial support options from various vendors, provides a reliable ecosystem for users. Broad localization and extensive driver availability further enhance its usability across global and diverse hardware environments.

Security Status

Rocky Linux 9 prioritizes security, incorporating numerous features and adhering to best practices inherited from its upstream source. It provides a secure foundation for critical workloads.

• Security Features: Includes Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) for mandatory access control, firewalld for dynamic firewall management, OpenSCAP for security compliance auditing, and cryptographic policies for system-wide encryption settings. Secure Boot is supported to prevent unauthorized code execution during startup.
• Known Vulnerabilities: The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF) actively monitors and addresses Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) with timely security updates, mirroring the upstream RHEL patching schedule.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for an operating system itself.
• Certifications: While Rocky Linux itself does not typically undergo direct certification, its upstream source (RHEL) often achieves certifications like FIPS 140-2 and Common Criteria, which Rocky Linux benefits from due to its binary compatibility.
• Encryption Support: Comprehensive support for disk encryption (LUKS), network encryption (TLS/SSL, IPsec), and file system encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various authentication mechanisms including local user accounts, Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM), LDAP, Kerberos, and integration with Active Directory.
• General Recommendations: Users are advised to keep the system updated with the latest security patches, enable and configure SELinux, use strong authentication methods, implement robust firewall rules, and regularly audit system logs.

Analysis: Rocky Linux 9 offers a robust security posture, making it suitable for environments with stringent security requirements. The inclusion of SELinux, strong cryptographic policies, and timely vulnerability patching provides a solid defense against various threats. Its alignment with RHEL's security practices ensures a high level of protection and compliance readiness. The availability of tools like OpenSCAP further aids in maintaining a secure and compliant system.

Performance & Benchmarks

Rocky Linux 9 delivers strong and consistent performance, optimized for enterprise workloads. As a rebuild of RHEL, it inherits performance optimizations and stability features designed for critical applications.

• Benchmark Scores: While specific benchmark scores for Rocky Linux 9 itself are not typically published independently from RHEL, it is expected to perform comparably to RHEL 9 in various benchmarks, including CPU, memory, I/O, and network throughput.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Known for its stability, efficiency, and predictable performance under load. It excels in server roles, virtualization hosts, and container platforms, demonstrating efficient resource utilization.
• Power Consumption: Power consumption is highly dependent on the underlying hardware. Rocky Linux 9, like RHEL, includes power management features that can be configured to optimize energy efficiency for various workloads.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly quantifiable for an operating system. Its efficiency in resource utilization can contribute to a lower overall carbon footprint of the hardware it runs on.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Rocky Linux 9 is a binary-compatible alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, offering comparable performance, stability, and features without the subscription cost. It competes directly with AlmaLinux 9 and CentOS Stream 9, providing a stable, community-driven enterprise Linux distribution. Its performance is generally on par with these distributions, with the primary differentiators being community governance and support models.

Analysis: Rocky Linux 9 provides excellent performance for enterprise applications, benefiting from the extensive engineering and optimization efforts in its upstream source. Its stability and resource efficiency make it a strong contender for critical infrastructure, databases, web servers, and virtualized environments. While direct benchmarks are often tied to RHEL, the binary compatibility ensures that performance characteristics are largely identical, offering a high-performance, cost-effective solution.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for Rocky Linux 9 are overwhelmingly positive, especially from organizations seeking a stable, free, and enterprise-grade operating system.

• Strengths: Users frequently praise its binary compatibility with RHEL, ensuring a smooth migration path and access to a vast ecosystem of software and hardware. Its stability, long-term support, and robust security features are highly valued. The active and responsive community support is a significant advantage, providing a reliable alternative to commercial distributions. The fact that it is free and community-driven is a major draw for many users and organizations.
• Weaknesses: Some users note that, as a newer project compared to CentOS (before its shift to Stream), its ecosystem of third-party tools and specific commercial support options might still be maturing, though this is rapidly improving. The reliance on community support might be perceived as a weakness by organizations accustomed to direct vendor support, though commercial support options are available from various providers.
• Recommended Use Cases: Highly recommended for production servers, virtual machines, cloud instances, container hosts, development environments, and any scenario requiring a stable, secure, and long-supported enterprise Linux distribution. It is particularly favored by users migrating from CentOS Linux or those seeking a cost-effective RHEL alternative.

Summary

Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation Rocky Linux 9 stands as a robust, stable, and highly compatible enterprise-grade operating system. As a direct, binary-compatible rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9, it inherits a decade-long support lifecycle, extensive hardware and software compatibility, and a strong security posture. Its technical requirements are flexible, supporting a wide range of architectures from x86-64 to ARM64, making it suitable for diverse deployment scenarios from minimal servers to complex cloud infrastructures.

Strengths include its exceptional stability, long-term support, and enterprise-level security features such as SELinux and comprehensive encryption. The active and growing community provides valuable support, and its open-source nature ensures transparency and cost-effectiveness. Performance is on par with its upstream counterpart, making it an efficient choice for critical workloads.

Potential weaknesses are few, primarily stemming from its relative youth compared to long-established commercial distributions, which might mean a slightly less mature ecosystem of niche third-party commercial tools or direct vendor support, though this gap is rapidly closing with increasing adoption.

Rocky Linux 9 is highly recommended for organizations and individuals seeking a free, stable, and secure operating system for production servers, virtualization, cloud deployments, and development environments. It serves as an excellent alternative for former CentOS Linux users and those looking for a cost-effective, enterprise-ready Linux distribution with strong community backing.

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.