AlmaLinux
Free Linux OS for the community, by the community – a RHEL clone
Red Hat has been providing commercial Linux distributions since 1993. TechHut.tv has written an excellent article about the current Red Hat Linux landscape, which includes distros like Fedora, CentOS, Rocky Linux and others. Sponsored by CloudLinux, AlmaLinux is a community effort created to fill the gap left when Red Hat killed CentOS 8. There is a clear release schedule, with each major release supported for 10 years.
Forever free enterprise Linux distribution
Binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Robust production-grade platform
Focused on long term stability
At the time of writing (August 2026, AlmaLinux has received 4.3 out of 5 at PeerSpot.
Distro Stack: Linux Kernel > Fedora > CentOS Stream > AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux is based on CentOS Stream, which is based on Fedora which is based on the Linux kernel.
Some Screen Shots
Open Source Dependency?
Four Risk Factors to Consider
Individuals can assume certain risks to switch to a Linux desktop. But there is a lot more at stake for businesses and organisations, not least in compliance, security, business continuity and staff buy in.
History
May indicate resiliance over time and a sense of direction
AlmaLinux was created in 2021 by CloudLinux as a replacement for CentOS Linux which had been discontinued by Red Hat. A non-profit foundation, the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, was also created to steward the project.
Who is behind the distro?
May indicate sustainability and type of effort involved
CloudLinux is the company behind AlmaLinux. They are funding a foundation to manage this project and ensure that AlmaLinux remains free and supported. Cloud Linux has committed $1M a year sponsorship, but there are other sponsors as well.
Support
The type of support available may be crucial for you
CloudLinux has committed to supporting each major release for 10 years, during which time minor version patches are released. There is a strong and active community. AlmaLinux is binary compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, so is in very good company.
Foundation (Distro Stack)
May indicate how robust the distribution is
AlmaLinux is a downstream distro from CentOS Steam, which itself is based on Fedora and the Linux kernel.
YouTube Talking Heads
What Some People Think
Three of countless Youtube videos on switching to Linux. These may be useful for individuals [be careful of exagerations] But for corporations issues of compliance, security and business continuity should be top considerations.
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