CentOS Stream: The Future of Enterprise Linux

 CentOS Stream: The Future of Enterprise Linux

Hello, readers of The Distrowrite Project! Today, we're diving into the world of CentOS Stream, a unique Linux distribution that's making waves in the open-source community.

Introduction to CentOS Stream

CentOS Stream is a Linux distribution developed in collaboration with the Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) engineering team and the CentOS community¹. Unlike its predecessor, CentOS Linux, CentOS Stream is not a rolling-release distribution but a development version of RHEL2. It's positioned as a midstream between Fedora Linux and RHEL2, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration in the RHEL ecosystem3.

Origin and History

CentOS Stream was announced on December 8, 20204. It was introduced as an upstream to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), marking a significant shift from the traditional CentOS Linux, which was a rebuild of RHEL2. This change was met with mixed reactions from the community, but CentOS Stream has continued to evolve and improve5.

The Team Behind CentOS Stream

The development of CentOS Stream is a collaborative effort between the CentOS community and the RHEL engineering team4. While many contributions come from Red Hat employees, CentOS Stream thrives on community support6. This collaboration allows the CentOS community members to have a significant influence on the development of RHEL2.

Unique Features of CentOS Stream

CentOS Stream is unique in that it provides a stable preview version of RHEL2. It aims to bridge the gap between stability and rapid development in enterprise Linux7. It offers frequent updates and access to the latest features7, making it an ideal platform for those who want to test their servers for future-proofing (RHEL Ready) and potentially for CentOS Linux users considering that the build is stable enough as per their requirements2.

Installation Tips and System Requirements

Before installing CentOS Stream, ensure that your system meets the minimum hardware requirements. These generally include a 64-bit processor, at least 2 GB of RAM, and sufficient storage8 9. You can download the latest ISO image for CentOS Stream 9 from the official CentOS Stream website10. Create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a DVD using tools like Rufus or Ventoy10 8. Follow the installation wizard, choosing your preferred language, setting up localization, selecting software options, and choosing the installation drive8.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues during the installation process, check the CentOS forums or the official CentOS documentation for troubleshooting tips11 12. Remember, the CentOS community is a valuable resource for resolving any problems you might encounter.

Comparison to Fedora and RHEL

CentOS Stream sits between Fedora and RHEL in the Linux distribution ecosystem13. Fedora is much further upstream than CentOS Stream14. Fedora serves as a test bed for software that might end up in RHEL15. On the other hand, CentOS Stream is a development version of RHEL, which includes upcoming changes and additions meant for RHEL2. It's a rolling preview of what's next in RHEL, both in terms of kernels and features13.

Conclusion

CentOS Stream represents a significant shift in the Linux distribution landscape. It provides a unique platform for innovation and collaboration, bridging the gap between rapid development and stability. Whether you're a developer, a system administrator, or an open-source enthusiast, CentOS Stream offers a compelling blend of stability, cutting-edge features, and community involvement.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, The Distrowrite Project does not assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contradictory interpretation of the subject matter herein.

 

Source:

(1) CentOS Stream - The CentOS Project. https://www.centos.org/centos-stream/.

(2) Everything You Need to Know About CentOS Stream - It's FOSS. https://itsfoss.com/centos-stream-faq/.

(3) What is CentOS Stream? - Red Hat. https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/linux/what-is-centos-stream.

(4) CentOS Stream 9. https://www.centos.org/stream9/.

(5) CentOS Stream: Why It’s Awesome - Medium. https://medium.com/swlh/centos-stream-why-its-awesome-5c45d944fb22.

(6) Introducing CentOS Stream 9 – Blog.CentOS.org. https://blog.centos.org/2021/12/introducing-centos-stream-9/.

(7) Unraveling the Mystery: What is CentOS Stream? - howto-do.it. https://www.howto-do.it/what-is-centos-stream/.

(8) Unlimited Guide To CentOS Stream 9 Installation, Configuration, and .... https://hollandsweb.medium.com/unlimited-guide-to-centos-stream-9-installation-configuration-and-usage-df40d490949c.

(9) System requirements reference :: CentOS Docs Site. https://docs.centos.org/en-US/8-docs/standard-install/assembly_system-requirements-reference/.

(10) Install CentOS Stream 9 – Complete Steps With Screenshots. https://computingforgeeks.com/install-centos-stream-9-complete-steps-with-screenshots/.

(11) Installation Error -- CentOS Stream 9 - CentOS. https://forums.centos.org/viewtopic.php?t=78795.

(12) Ssd read problems - Centos 9 stream - CentOS. https://forums.centos.org/viewtopic.php?t=79808.

(13) Where Fedora fits in the new Red Hat/CentOS Stream Linux world. https://www.zdnet.com/article/where-fedora-fits-in-the-new-red-hat-centos-stream-linux-world/.

(14) Fedora vs. CentOS Stream [LWN.net]. https://lwn.net/Articles/839807/.

(15) Fedora 39 vs CentOS Stream 9 – With Comparison Table. https://techviewleo.com/fedora-39-vs-centos-stream-9-with-comparison-table/.