1. Why Did CentOS Change?

CentOS was traditionally a downstream, free alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). However, the CentOS project transitioned to CentOS Stream, which operates as an upstream distribution for RHEL.

• CentOS Stream: Focuses on providing a rolling-release model for testing features before they appear in RHEL.
• End of Support: CentOS 8’s premature end-of-life forced many businesses to find alternatives for their VPS and enterprise servers.

This shift created uncertainty for users who relied on the stability and predictability of CentOS, leading to the rise of new alternatives like AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

2. Introducing AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux is a free, open-source, and 1:1 binary-compatible fork of RHEL, created to fill the void left by CentOS.

Key Features:

• RHEL Compatibility: Fully compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Community-Driven: Backed by CloudLinux, AlmaLinux benefits from active community contributions and enterprise support.
• Long-Term Support: Offers 10 years of support for each release.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Web hosting
• Enterprise servers
• Cloud environments

AlmaLinux provides a seamless transition for CentOS users, offering a stable and predictable experience for VPS deployments.

3. Introducing Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux is another RHEL-compatible, community-driven operating system founded by Gregory Kurtzer, one of CentOS’s original creators.

Key Features:

• Enterprise-Grade Stability: Rocky Linux is designed for production environments and mirrors RHEL’s reliability.
• Community Support: Built and maintained by a strong community of developers and users.
• 100% Open Source: No licensing fees or hidden costs.

Ideal Use Cases:

• VPS and dedicated servers
• Database servers
• Cloud and enterprise hosting

Rocky Linux aims to provide a CentOS-like experience, ensuring minimal disruptions for businesses migrating from CentOS.

4. AlmaLinux vs. Rocky Linux: A Quick Comparison

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux are excellent CentOS alternatives, with their choice largely depending on personal preference and community alignment.

5. How to Migrate from CentOS to AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux

Migrating from CentOS to AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux is straightforward. Follow these steps to switch your VPS to a CentOS alternative:

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before starting the migration, create a full backup of your server to prevent data loss.

tar -czvf backup.tar.gz /path/to/data

Step 2: Download the Migration Script

Both AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux provide automated migration scripts:

• For AlmaLinux:

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AlmaLinux/almalinux-deploy/main/almalinux-deploy.sh

• For Rocky Linux:

curl -O https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rocky-linux/rocky-tools/main/migrate2rocky.sh

Step 3: Run the Migration Script

Run the script to start the migration process:

sudo bash almalinux-deploy.sh

Or for Rocky Linux:

sudo bash migrate2rocky.sh

Step 4: Verify the Migration

Once the migration completes, verify the new operating system:

cat /etc/os-release

This command will confirm that your VPS is now running AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux.

Conclusion

The rise of AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux has provided a stable and reliable solution for VPS administrators who relied on CentOS. Both distributions offer seamless compatibility with RHEL, ensuring minimal disruptions for server environments.

By migrating to AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux, businesses can continue to enjoy enterprise-grade performance, security, and long-term support for their VPS servers.