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CentOS is a free, community‑driven open‑source platform designed for server and workstation environments. It is built from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, which gives it enterprise‑grade stability and reliability. CentOS aims to provide a robust open‑source solution for professionals, without the commercial licensing costs of RHEL, while remaining compatible with the RHEL ecosystem. In this review we examine its features, installation process, use cases, and compare it to other distributions.
Problems Solved by CentOS
What problems does CentOS address?
CentOS meets the need for a free distribution in a context where enterprise solutions can be expensive. It offers an alternative that retains RHEL compatibility while benefiting from an active open‑source community. It also satisfies the demand for server‑grade stability, since many commercial solutions are costly or lack flexibility, whereas CentOS provides a robust and sustainable model. Thanks to its RHEL heritage, CentOS delivers a solid base together with highly valued community technical support.
Key Features and Capabilities
CentOS primarily provides a command‑line interface, with the option to use graphical environments such as GNOME when required. Its performance is stable and optimized for long‑running workloads, making it a reliable open‑source service for server deployments. Package management through DNF ensures consistent installation and controlled updates. Customization is enhanced by community modules and extensions. For security, CentOS supports SELinux activation and the configuration of various hardening tools.
Installation
How to install and configure CentOS?
Download the desired version from the official website as an ISO image or via a mirror.
Create appropriate installation media, USB or network‑based.
- Launch the Anaconda installer to configure partitions, packages, and networking.
- Install the required packages according to professional needs.
- Configure network settings and repositories.
Install additional components for environments such as web servers or databases.
Adjust security with SELinux, firewalls, and system rules.
Use Cases
Some examples of CentOS usage
CentOS is employed in enterprise servers to host applications, databases, or cloud services because of the reliability it offers for production environments. It is also used in scientific computing infrastructures or development environments to test applications destined for RHEL. Some companies migrate from CentOS to alternatives like AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux when necessary, while still keeping an open‑source platform compatible with RHEL environments.
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature | CentOS | AlmaLinux | Debian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open source | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| RHEL compatibility | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Long‑term support cycle | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Community and support | Open‑source community | Community and enterprises | Large community |
| Package updates | DNF and RPM | DNF and RPM | APT and DEB |
Advantages and disadvantages
| Criteria | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | No commercial support included |
| Stability | Very stable for professional environments | Slower to adopt rapid updates |
| Compatibility | RHEL compatible | Changes related to CentOS Stream |
| Community support | Active community | Official support limited without RHEL subscription |
| Learning curve | Flexibility and documentation available | Advanced configuration can be complex |
Conclusion
CentOS is a solid open‑source solution for system administrators, developers, and IT professionals seeking a stable, RHEL‑compatible distribution with no licensing fees. If you need a reliable environment with a long lifecycle, CentOS remains a highly relevant option. Although migrations to AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux may occur based on specific requirements, CentOS continues to be a robust open‑source platform for production. Its stability and active open‑source community provide a trustworthy foundation for critical environments while remaining affordable in terms of maintenance and community technical support.
