Why I am starting to hate Linux.

[Bob Proulx]

Steve Wolf wrote:
> As another alternative to a debian-based system like ubuntu, I'm running
> RedHat on my home server.  I used to run CentOS, which was downstream
> RedHat, but then RedHat bought CentOS and turned it into its experimental
> branch.  But they do offer a free RedHat subscription for up to 31 boxes (I
> think -- I'm only running one).

For people who haven't been following the activity "CentOS Stream" now
sits as a testing ground somewhere between RHEL and Fedora on the
close to RHEL side.  Red Hat plans to use the CentOS community to test
for bugs in what then will go into their RHEL release.  CentOS Stream
will be a rolling release model for new development.  I know several
people who have not been happy with Red Hat's decision to pull the
CentOS rug out from under them.

> I tried and failed to like Suse.  So it's RedHat for me. YMMV.

Out of the ruins of CentOS arises two names that are new but each
continuing the old tradition of old CentOS.  Both of these appeared on
the scene within a month of each other early in 2021.  It's been a
year now.

Rocky Linux was created by Gregory Kurtzer, the founder of the
original CentOS project before Red Hat bought it.  Rocky is a tribute
name to CentOS co-founder Rocky McGaugh.  Rocky Linux aims to be what
CentOS was again.  Rather a case of history repeating itself.  Here is
a news article.

    https://www.theregister.com/2020/12/10/rocky_linux

AlmaLinux was created by CloudLinux and KernelCare.  Alma means Soul
in Latin languages.  "Soul" Linux.  The cloud vendors needed a free
software OS.  The cloud vendors were already building their own clone.
So when CentOS was killed off they decided to make their efforts
public with Alma.  It continues their need to provide cloud virtual
hosting images.  Here is a news article.

    https://www.zdnet.com/article/cloudlinux-launches-almalinux-centos-linux-clone/

I am hoping these two efforts can converge.  They seem to be on
friendly relations with each other.  Therefore they should be sharing
the workload for security upgrades and other support.  Regardless
these two groups are ensuing that the community around CentOS have a
place they can go.

At least initially it feels to me that Alma is ahead of Rocky in terms
of development and polish.  But the Rocky developers are experienced.
I expect over time the two systems will leapfrog each other.

The CentOS community will continue.  It will just be called Alma
and/or Rocky moving forward.

Bob