{"id":78869,"date":"2023-02-22T11:15:07","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T11:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"\/tutorials\/?p=78869"},"modified":"2025-08-04T12:53:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T12:53:18","slug":"rocky-linux-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","title":{"rendered":"Rocky Linux review: important factors to consider before migrating"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Rocky Linux is a binary-compatible operating system based on the <strong>Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)<\/strong> source code. It is regarded as the unofficial successor to the discontinued CentOS.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.hostinger.com\/content\/tutorials\/pdf\/Linux-Commands-Cheat-Sheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"566\" src=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/public\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-69262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/w=2048,fit=scale-down 2048w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/w=300,fit=scale-down 300w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/w=1024,fit=scale-down 1024w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/w=150,fit=scale-down 150w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/11\/Linux-cheat-sheet.png\/w=768,fit=scale-down 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"protip\">\n                    <h2 class=\"featured-snippet title\">What Is Rocky Linux?<\/h2>\n                    <p>Like CentOS, Rocky Linux downstream distribution is a popular option for workstations and <a href=\"\/tutorials\/what-is-vps-hosting\">virtual private servers<\/a> (VPS). It is a popular alternative to another RHEL clone, <strong>CentOS<\/strong>.<br>\n<br>\n<strong>Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation (RESF)<\/strong> develops the operating system and offers ten-year support with regular updates. This enterprise-ready Linux distribution is commonly used for business servers or workstations.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><p>This Rocky Linux review will explain its features, use cases, pros, and cons.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-overview-of-rocky-linux-os\">Overview of Rocky Linux OS<\/h2><p>In this section, we will go over general information about Rocky Linux to help you understand more about it.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-licensing\">Licensing<\/h3><p>Rocky Linux is a free version of RHEL, as the latter costs <strong>$349\/year<\/strong>. Since it acts like an unlicensed RHEL, some of Red Hat&rsquo;s features are unavailable.<\/p><p>For instance, RHEL 8.1 comes with the <strong>kpatch <\/strong>live kernel patching feature. Rocky Linux doesn&rsquo;t support it and requires a third-party paid service for the task.<\/p><p>All elements in the Rocky Linux project are licensed under the <a href=\"https:\/\/rockylinux.org\/licensing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3-Clause Berkley Software Distribution<\/a> (BSD). This applies to the operating system&rsquo;s reuse, redistribution, and modification.<\/p><p>As a distribution, Rocky Linux includes several packages or software with different licenses. When using the operating system, you must also comply with the regulations of each one.<\/p><p>To see the installed components&rsquo; licenses, use the following command in the <strong>Terminal<\/strong>:<\/p><pre class=\"EnlighterJSRAW\" data-enlighter-language=\"generic\" data-enlighter-theme=\"\" data-enlighter-highlight=\"\" data-enlighter-linenumbers=\"\" data-enlighter-lineoffset=\"\" data-enlighter-title=\"\" data-enlighter-group=\"\">$ sudo yum info package-name<\/pre><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\/public\" alt=\"Terminal returns a queried package license\" class=\"wp-image-78872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\/w=1024,fit=scale-down 1024w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\/w=300,fit=scale-down 300w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\/w=150,fit=scale-down 150w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Terminal-returns-a-queried-package-license.png\/w=768,fit=scale-down 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><p>Replace the <strong>package-name<\/strong> with the package title you want to check.<\/p><p>To get a list of the installed packages, execute the following:<\/p><pre class=\"EnlighterJSRAW\" data-enlighter-language=\"generic\" data-enlighter-theme=\"\" data-enlighter-highlight=\"\" data-enlighter-linenumbers=\"\" data-enlighter-lineoffset=\"\" data-enlighter-title=\"\" data-enlighter-group=\"\">$ sudo yum list installed<\/pre><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-repositories\">Repositories<\/h3><p>Rocky Linux provides a different set of base repositories for every major release. There are also community-approved ones that are installable from the additional repositories.<\/p><p>Rocky Linux supports three types of repositories that are included by default or can be installed manually:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Base <\/strong>&ndash; the default repositories that are pre-installed in Rocky Linux.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extra<\/strong> &ndash; contains additional packages intended to improve your system&rsquo;s functionality. Some of them are required for the community-approved repositories installation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community-approved<\/strong> &ndash; repositories from third-party providers containing unofficial packages. They are also available for other enterprise Linux distributions.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Most base repositories come with Rocky Linux 8 and 9 by default. However, some of them must be enabled manually using this command:<\/p><pre class=\"EnlighterJSRAW\" data-enlighter-language=\"generic\" data-enlighter-theme=\"\" data-enlighter-highlight=\"\" data-enlighter-linenumbers=\"\" data-enlighter-lineoffset=\"\" data-enlighter-title=\"\" data-enlighter-group=\"\">$ sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled repository-id<\/pre><p>To learn more about their IDs and availability, refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/wiki.rockylinux.org\/rocky\/repo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rocky Linux repositories page<\/a>.<\/p><p>Since Rocky Linux is relatively new, it doesn&rsquo;t have all the community-approved repositories, but here are some of the available ones:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) <\/strong>&ndash; provides rebuilds of <a href=\"https:\/\/getfedora.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fedora<\/a> packages<strong> <\/strong>for other enterprise distros. Adding new features and tools to your Rocky Linux system is highly &#8203;&#8203;favorable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Community Enterprise Linux Repository (ELRepo) <\/strong>&ndash; contains packages that improve Rocky Linux&rsquo;s hardware support. For instance, it has storage, hardware monitoring, and network drivers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>RPM Fusion <\/strong>&ndash; a repo containing additional packages unavailable in Fedora. It provides software versions with free and paid licenses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Remi Repository <\/strong>&ndash; stores the latest version of PHP stacks and other software packages for enterprise distros. It offers a <strong>-safe <\/strong>version to ensure the repo doesn&rsquo;t replace the default packages.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-features\">Features<\/h3><p>As an RHEL clone, Rocky Linux is compatible with most of its features. However, some proprietary ones are only available in RHEL, like live patching and Red Hat Sattelite.<\/p><p>Albeit an enterprise distribution, Rocky Linux&rsquo;s features are also helpful for personal use. Some of them include the following:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Graphical User Interface (GUI)<\/strong> &ndash; Rocky Linux has a great user interface (UI). It is especially practical for users unfamiliar with a command line interface.<\/li>\n<\/ul><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\/public\" alt=\"Rocky Linux's graphical user interface\n\" class=\"wp-image-78873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\/w=1024,fit=scale-down 1024w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\/w=300,fit=scale-down 300w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\/w=150,fit=scale-down 150w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/Rocky-Linux_s-graphical-user-interface.png\/w=768,fit=scale-down 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Desktop environment<\/strong> &ndash; this Linux distribution uses <a href=\"https:\/\/forty.gnome.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GNOME 40<\/a> as the default desktop environment. Its redesigned apps, UI, and settings make Rocky Linux ideal for personal use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>XFS file system<\/strong> &ndash; the <a href=\"https:\/\/access.redhat.com\/documentation\/en-us\/red_hat_enterprise_linux\/7\/html\/storage_administration_guide\/ch-xfs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">XFS<\/a> is designed to handle large data without compromising performance. This makes Rocky Linux suitable for enterprise-grade servers and storage arrays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Up-to-date compliers<\/strong> &ndash; developers can optimize and debug their code more easily with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.incredibuild.com\/integrations\/gcc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GCC compiler<\/a> in Rocky Linux. It also improves hardware usage efficiency for optimal performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Module packaging <\/strong>&ndash; various package management systems like Flatpaks and RPM Package Manager are compatible with Rocky Linux. They let developers install and use their preferred package more easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System monitoring<\/strong> &ndash; Rocky Linux supports the Cockpit web console for performance monitoring. It helps identify issues related to abnormal resource and network usage.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-security\">Security<\/h3><p>Rocky Linux uses the <a href=\"\/tutorials\/what-is-selinux\">Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux)<\/a> architecture. It allows administrators to have more control over their system&rsquo;s access permissions.<\/p><p>SELinux separates information based on confidentiality and uses security policies to assess access requests. These policies determine which data is accessible and which is not.<\/p><p>Unlike CentOS, you can perform security-focused package management in Rocky Linux. It lets you query the available security updates and choose a particular one to install.<\/p><p>The latest stable version of Rocky Linux has several features that help improve your <a href=\"\/tutorials\/vps-security\">VPS security<\/a>, such as:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>OpenSSL<\/strong> &ndash; a toolkit that provides a secure connection with a Rocky Linux system for data transfer. It enforces a 2048-bit RSA encryption key for the <a href=\"https:\/\/access.redhat.com\/articles\/3666211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crypto-policies<\/a> to improve security.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OpenSSH<\/strong> &ndash; a connectivity feature that lets you securely log in to a Rocky Linux server via the SSH protocol. It now has the option to use SHA-1 for signatures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SHA-1<\/strong> &ndash; due to security issues, Rocky Linux 9 no longer supports SHA-1 for most cryptographic purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security compliance<\/strong> &ndash; Rocky Linux automatically configures its setting to comply with data protection regulations. It saves time and helps avoid misconfiguration.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-rocky-linux-is-best-for\">What Rocky Linux Is Best For<\/h2><p>Rocky Linux is ideal if you need reliable and high-performance enterprise distribution for your VPS. It is also suitable for desktops, workstations, and cloud services. If you&rsquo;re looking to set up a VPS with Rocky Linux, consider checking out different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/vps\/rocky-linux-hosting\">Rocky Linux VPS hosting solutions<\/a> to find the best plan for your needs.<\/p><p>As an enterprise distribution, Rocky Linux is packaged with features and additional software for corporate use. Moreover, its long-term support and regular updates make Rocky Linux perfect for business.<\/p><p>Rocky Linux is especially suitable for users needing an alternative to CentOS or RHEL. It is bug-for-bug compatible with RHEL and shares most of the features.<\/p><p>Since Rocky Linux is free, it is a great option for users wanting to try Linux and RHEL. Its GUI and native desktop environment also help users to easily transition from one operating system to another.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rocky-linux-advantages-and-disadvantages\">Rocky Linux Advantages and Disadvantages<\/h2><p>If you plan to use Rocky Linux, consider the following advantages and disadvantages to help you determine if the distro suits your needs.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rocky-linux-advantages\">Rocky Linux Advantages<\/h3><p><strong>Stability<\/strong><\/p><p>As a downstream rebuild of RHEL, Rocky Linux&rsquo;s main advantage is its stability. Before new changes are applied to Rocky Linux, they must be first submitted to the upstream distribution like Fedora.<\/p><p>Rocky Linux only uses features and code previously tested in upstream RHEL. Due to the different processes, it receives fewer updates but with greater stability.<\/p><p>Also, Rocky Linux releases must undergo a thorough testing process with different environments and scenarios to ensure their stability.<\/p><p><strong>Open Source<\/strong><\/p><p>Since it&rsquo;s considered an open-source operating system, Rocky Linux users can access its code freely. The community can use it for various purposes, such as checking for security flaws, troubleshooting bugs, or creating documentation.<\/p><p>Rocky Linux also provides a <strong>Peridot<\/strong> build system that lets users recreate the distribution from scratch. It helps speed up the new releases and maintain the project&rsquo;s longevity.<\/p><p><strong>Support<\/strong><\/p><p>Rocky Linux has a lengthy ten-year support lifecycle for its major release alongside regular updates. It receives the updates for the first five years and goes into maintenance-only mode until its life cycle ends.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"\/tutorials\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"518\" src=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\/public\" alt=\"The Rocky Linux's community forum front page\n\" class=\"wp-image-78874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\/w=1024,fit=scale-down 1024w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\/w=300,fit=scale-down 300w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\/w=150,fit=scale-down 150w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/The-Rocky-Linux_s-community-forum-front-page.png\/w=768,fit=scale-down 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><p>Rocky Linux has a community support forum where users can discuss updates or troubleshoot issues. Its growing user base means this distro will remain actively supported for years to come.<\/p><p>It also partners with different support provider companies like <a href=\"https:\/\/ciq.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIQ<\/a> that are also involved in its development.<\/p><p><strong>Compatibility<\/strong><\/p><p>Being binary-compatible with RHEL, Rocky Linux supports several other Red Hat software out of the box. It means the software code can run properly on Rocky Linux without recompiling.<\/p><p>This Linux distribution is also compatible with several system architectures like CentOS. For instance, the Rocky Linux 9 supports <strong>x86_64<\/strong>, <strong>ARM64<\/strong>, <strong>PPC64<\/strong>, and <strong>s390x<\/strong>.<\/p><p>Rocky Linux also provides a migration script that helps users switch to the operating system easily. It automatically changes the system&rsquo;s repository to Rocky Linux and updates the installed packages.<\/p><p>Currently, the script is available for distros based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, like Oracle Linux, CentOS, and CentOS stream.<\/p><p>\n\n\n<div><p class=\"important\"><strong>Important!<\/strong> CentOS Linux and CentOS Stream are two different distributions. The former is a downstream release of RHEL, while the latter is upstream.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rocky-linux-disadvantages\">Rocky Linux Disadvantages<\/h3><p>Very much like any other operating system, Rocky Linux has some disadvantages you should know about.<\/p><p><strong>Slow Updates<\/strong><\/p><p>Rocky Linux major releases receive a new update every six months. While slower updates help maintain stability, some users prefer more frequent updates.<\/p><p>For such users, use an upstream Linux distribution with a continuous update delivery like CentOS Stream. It <a href=\"https:\/\/tuxcare.com\/when-migrating-to-centos-stream-makes-sense-and-when-it-does-not\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">updates weekly<\/a> and is promised to receive support until 2027.<\/p><p><strong>Future Uncertainty<\/strong><\/p><p>It is difficult to determine Rocky Linux&rsquo;s longevity as it is a rather new distribution. As an open-source project, the operating system&rsquo;s update continuity depends on the community and third-party funding.<\/p><p>Fortunately, Rocky Linux&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/ciq.co\/blog\/tracking-rocky-linux-growth-using-fedoras-epel-project\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rapid user base growth<\/a> helps form a dedicated community backing up the project. In addition, it receives funding from large companies like Google and Microsoft.<\/p><p>Peridot also helps avoid end-of-live issues similar to the CentOS project. Users can create new RHEL forks themselves in case Rocky Linux discontinues.<\/p><p><strong>Lack of Experience<\/strong><\/p><p>Rocky Linux&rsquo;s recent release date means there is a lack of experience working with the operating system. While user reviews, bug reports, and documentation are available, they may not be comprehensive at the time of writing.<\/p><p>Due to the lack of long-term user involvement, it is tricky to assess its actual performance. This is a drawback since enterprises need an operating system with evidently consistent long-term performance.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-should-you-move-to-rocky-linux\">Should You Move to Rocky Linux?<\/h2><p>Although Rocky Linux is a well-performing distribution, it may not be ideal for all users. If you need a replacement for CentOS, it might be one of the <a href=\"\/tutorials\/best-linux-distro\">best Linux distros<\/a> for you.<\/p><p>CentOS and Rocky Linux are similar in design, allowing users to transition more easily. Even for non-CentOS users, Rocky Linux is a great option if you want to experience RHEL.<\/p><p>Regardless, there are several considerations before switching:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Packages version<\/strong> &ndash; executing the Rocky Linux migration script will replace all of your system&rsquo;s packages. Create a backup file before installation if you have custom packages or use different versions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SecureBoot <\/strong>&ndash; SecureBoot is not available in the older version of Rocky Linux. If your current system relies on it, ensure to install Rocky Linux 8.5 or newer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System architecture <\/strong>&ndash; every Rocky Linux&rsquo;s major releases have a different CPU architecture compatibility. Refer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/rockylinux.org\/download\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rocky Linux download page<\/a> to learn more about it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other distros compatibility <\/strong>&ndash; Rocky Linux migration script only works on RHEL-based distros. For other distributions, you must do the installation and package update manually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Migration path <\/strong>&ndash; users with CentOS 9 or lower can&rsquo;t directly migrate to Rocky Linux since the earliest version uses RHEL 8 source code. Upgrade to CentOS 8 first and then switch to Rocky Linux.<\/li>\n<\/ul><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a class=\"hgr-tutorials-cta hgr-tutorials-cta-vps-hosting\" href=\"\/vps-hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/public\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77934\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/w=1024,fit=scale-down 1024w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/w=300,fit=scale-down 300w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/w=150,fit=scale-down 150w, https:\/\/imagedelivery.net\/LqiWLm-3MGbYHtFuUbcBtA\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/02\/VPS-hosting-banner.png\/w=768,fit=scale-down 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2><p>Rocky Linux is a downstream distribution based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code. It is binary-compatible with RHEL and intended to be an alternative to its Linux predecessor, CentOS.<\/p><p>This enterprise-ready Linux distribution is ideal both for corporate and personal use. It is commonly implemented for servers, workstations, and cloud services.<\/p><p>Here is a general overview of the distro:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Licensing<\/strong> &ndash; Rocky Linux uses the 3-Clause BSD license for reuse, redistribution, and modification. Like CentOS Linux, it has no licensing fee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repositories<\/strong> &ndash; this distribution has comprehensive repositories containing several different packages. Installing them lets you expand the operating system&rsquo;s functionality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features<\/strong> &ndash; the distribution inherits most Red Hat features optimized for enterprise servers or personal use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security<\/strong> &ndash; Rocky Linux implements SELinux to restrict access to the system. Compared to CentOS Linux, it offers more flexibility as you can install a specific security patch.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>Rocky Linux is very stable and compatible with different system architectures. However, its drawbacks include slower updates, lack of user experience, and guaranteed longevity.<\/p><p>If you plan to switch from CentOS, Rocky Linux can be the ideal replacement if you plan to switch from CentOS.<\/p><p>Before migrating, always remember to back up installed packages and use the latest Rocky Linux version to avoid compatibility issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rocky Linux is a binary-compatible operating system based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) source code. It is regarded [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":337,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Rocky Linux Review: Features, Pros and Cons, and More","rank_math_description":"Rocky Linux is an open-source enterprise Linux distribution. Check out this Rocky Linux review for features and considerations.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"rocky linux review","footnotes":""},"categories":[22647,22644],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-78869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-operating-systems","category-vps"],"hreflangs":[{"locale":"en-US","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0},{"locale":"fr-FR","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/fr\/tutoriels\/rocky-linux","default":0},{"locale":"es-ES","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/es\/tutoriales\/rocky-linux","default":0},{"locale":"en-GB","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/uk\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0},{"locale":"en-MY","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/my\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review-important-factors-to-consider-before-migrating","default":0},{"locale":"en-PH","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/ph\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review-important-factors-to-consider-before-migrating","default":0},{"locale":"es-MX","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/mx\/tutoriales\/rocky-linux","default":0},{"locale":"es-CO","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/co\/tutoriales\/rocky-linux","default":0},{"locale":"es-AR","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/ar\/tutoriales\/rocky-linux","default":0},{"locale":"en-IN","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/in\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0},{"locale":"en-CA","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/ca\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0},{"locale":"en-AU","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/au\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0},{"locale":"en-NG","link":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/ng\/tutorials\/rocky-linux-review","default":0}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/337"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78869"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78869\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131836,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78869\/revisions\/131836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostinger.com\/tutorials\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}