Feature-rich Updates: AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 Build upon Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2

Following the successful launch of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2, AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 are now available for download as free alternatives to RHEL and CentOS Stream 9.

AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 Deliver Powerful Features and Improvements

In response to the recent release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.2, the open-source community welcomes the availability of AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2. These operating systems, which are built upon the foundation of Red Hat’s latest release, offer users compelling features and improvements.

Support for ARM Architecture and Enhanced System Automation

AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 come equipped with the capability to support 64k page sizes for the ARM architecture. This advancement allows for broader deployment of the operating systems on a wider range of hardware and significantly enhances the performance of large data set workloads. Moreover, both systems provide expanded capabilities for system roles, enabling users to automate an even greater number of management tasks. Additionally, a new Podman system role and improvements to application streams contribute to a more streamlined and efficient user experience.

Heightened Security Features

In their pursuit of providing secure computing environments, AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 introduce several security-related changes. These include the implementation of a new rule for idle session termination to SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol), ensuring enhanced security for user sessions. The Clevis automated encryption framework has also been updated to accept external tokens, improving encryption processes. Furthermore, Rsyslog’s TLS-encrypted logging now supports multiple CA files, bolstering secure logging practices.

Comprehensive Security Enhancements

Both AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 prioritize security by implementing various measures. Rsyslog privileges have been limited to minimize potential security exposures, while the fapolicyd framework has been updated to enable filtering of the RPM database, further enhancing security. These distributions also incorporate updated security-oriented packages, including OpenSSL 3.0.7, SELinux 3.5, OpenSCAP 1.3.7, SCAP Security Guide 0.1.66, and Keylime 6.5.2, to ensure users have the latest security features at their disposal.

Unique Features of AlmaLinux OS 9.2

AlmaLinux OS 9.2 introduces several distinctive features. It includes an updated AlmaLinux EV Code Sign Secure Boot certificate, enhancing system integrity and trust. Additionally, AlmaLinux OS 9.2 presents an updated Container Universal Base Image that aligns closely with upstream RHEL UBI images. Wayland support is now enabled by default for Aspeed GPUs, while initial support for Intel ARC GPUs has been introduced. Improved support for Flatpak apps, compatibility of WireGuard VPN with SELinux, and the inclusion of the nfsrahead tool for NFS mounts further contribute to a robust and user-friendly experience.

Rocky Linux 9.2: Advancements and Additions

Rocky Linux 9.2 offers its own set of enhancements. The distribution presents an updated Container Universal Base Image that aims to closely resemble the upstream RHEL UBI images. Furthermore, default Wayland support for Aspeed GPUs ensures optimal performance. Rocky Linux 9.2 also provides initial support for Intel ARC GPUs, offering expanded compatibility. Improvements in support for Flatpak apps, compatibility of WireGuard VPN with SELinux, and the addition of the nfsrahead tool for NFS mounts further augment the capabilities of the operating system.

Availability and Compatibility

For users seeking free alternatives to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 and CentOS Stream 9, AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 are available for download from their respective official websites. Installation images cater to various architectures, including 64-bit (x86_64), AArch64 (ARM64), PowerPC 64-bit Little Endian (ppc64le), and IBM System z (s390x). These community-driven distributions, developed collaboratively with the user community, offer stable and reliable open-source solutions for enterprise environments.

Final Thoughts

The release of AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 marks a significant milestone in the open-source ecosystem. As free alternatives to RHEL and CentOS Stream 9, both distributions inherit the strengths of Red Hat’s latest release while providing unique features and improvements. With a focus on performance, automation, and security, AlmaLinux OS 9.2 and Rocky Linux 9.2 empower users to build robust and secure computing environments.