AlmaLinux OS 10: Purple Lion Unleashed

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AlmaLinux has long captured my attention as a beacon of community-driven enterprise Linux innovation, and with the arrival of AlmaLinux OS 10—codenamed “Purple Lion”—that admiration has only deepened. In this article, I delve into the journey of AlmaLinux from its inception to its latest, most ambitious build yet. I’ll explore its historic milestones, introduce the passionate team behind the project, dissect its unique features, and present an exhaustive look at the changelog for build 10.0. I’ll also guide you through the various installation options and system requirements, outline where you can get support for technical issues, and offer a friendly comparison with other similarly based distributions. Finally, I conclude with some reflective thoughts and a concise disclaimer to help you make an informed choice before diving into this enterprise-ready open-source solution.

Introduction

The story of AlmaLinux begins in the wake of significant change within the enterprise Linux world. When CentOS shifted its strategy several years ago, the community—long accustomed to a free and stable alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)—found itself in need of a new champion. AlmaLinux emerged as an answer to that call, created by a dedicated group of developers and community mentors who refused to see the open-source spirit fade away. Since its birth, the AlmaLinux OS Foundation has nurtured this project with clear non-profit governance and a commitment to life-long, enterprise-grade stability. Its promise is simple yet powerful: to provide a forever-free, rock-solid platform that remains 100% compatible with RHEL while embracing community-requested enhancements.

Over time, guided by comprehensive testing and real-world feedback, AlmaLinux matured into a robust distribution that appeals not only to developers who crave deeper insights into system performance but also to system administrators looking for predictable, long-term support. The latest release, AlmaLinux OS 10 (Purple Lion), is a testament to that evolution. With this release, the project showcases its commitment to meeting modern demands—combining cutting-edge security technologies, advanced performance monitoring, and a broadened hardware compatibility spectrum—all while preserving that essential, community-first philosophy.

Much of the credit goes to the team behind AlmaLinux. This isn’t just any team; it’s a diverse coalition of engineers, developers, and community enthusiasts, all driven by the desire to maintain freedom and reliability in enterprise Linux. Their transparent development process, frequent community discussions, and open invitation for contributions have set AlmaLinux apart. The project’s unique foundation—based on both rigorous technical expertise and a genuine commitment to listening to its user base—has given rise to an ecosystem where even the smallest suggestion can evolve into a major feature. As I recount the journey of AlmaLinux, it becomes evident that this is not merely an operating system but a testament to open-source collaboration at its finest.

At its core, AlmaLinux OS 10 is built upon a philosophy that marries tradition with innovation. The distribution is derived from a new upstream known as AlmaLinux OS Kitten, which has enabled a slew of enhancements tailored to specific user needs. Whether you’re a developer who relies heavily on real-time system diagnostics or a legacy system administrator tasked with the upkeep of older hardware, AlmaLinux OS 10 has been engineered with you in mind. In doing so, it continues the long-standing tradition of providing a RHEL-compatible environment while introducing forward-thinking improvements that address emerging trends such as post-quantum cryptography and advanced virtualization support.

This release is a bold statement: it signals that the open-source community still holds sway in the enterprise space and that practical, innovative solutions can arise from grassroots collaboration. AlmaLinux OS 10 is not just another distro release; it’s a herald of what enterprise Linux distributions can aspire to be when driven by community values and technical excellence. In the sections that follow, I’ll discuss the impressive changes and new features embedded in this release, explain how to get started with AlmaLinux OS 10, and offer a user-friendly comparison with other popular RHEL-based distributions.

New Features & Changelog Highlights

AlmaLinux OS 10, affectionately dubbed “Purple Lion,” roars into the enterprise scene with a changelog that reads like a wish list for system administrators and developers alike. This release is built on the robust Linux kernel version 6.12.0, delivering significant improvements in hardware support, performance, and power management. One of the standout changes is the enabling of frame pointers by default—a move that empowers developers with the tools necessary for system-wide real-time tracing and profiling, vastly simplifying the task of diagnosing and optimizing application performance.

A Comprehensive Upgrade Across Languages and Tools

In our increasingly diverse programming ecosystem, keeping up with language updates is non-negotiable. AlmaLinux OS 10 responds decisively by upgrading several dynamic programming languages to their modern iterations:

- Python 3.12 now forms the backbone for countless automation and data processing scripts, ensuring that developers benefit from the latest syntax improvements and better performance.

- Ruby 3.3 provides enhanced efficiency and introduces new features that allow developers to write cleaner, more maintainable code.

- Node.js 22 is integrated to meet the demands of modern web applications, ensuring robust performance and support for cutting-edge JavaScript features.

- Perl 5.40 and PHP 8.3 have also been updated, offering support for legacy scripts and modern web development respectively.

For those using version control systems, the enhancements do not stop there. Git has been updated to version 2.47 and Subversion to 1.14, ensuring that version control remains both state-of-the-art and dependable. These incremental improvements, though they may seem subtle, collectively provide a much smoother experience for developers managing large-scale projects.

Control Systems, Web Servers, and Databases

The changelog continues with updates that resonate deeply with enterprise users who rely on robust server software:

- Web Servers: Apache HTTP Server has been refreshed to version 2.4.62 and nginx to version 1.26. These upgrades bring enhanced stability, improved security, and refined performance tuning options that are critical for web hosting environments.

- Proxy Caching Servers: Varnish Cache now stands at version 7.6 while Squid has been updated to version 6.10, ensuring faster content delivery and efficient network traffic management.

- Database Servers: AlmaLinux OS 10 supports updated versions of major databases. With MariaDB at version 10.11, MySQL at version 8.4, PostgreSQL at version 16, and the inclusion of Valkey at version 8.0, system administrators have a wide array of choices, all incorporating the latest performance and security updates.

Revamping the System Toolchain and Debugging Ecosystem

Efficiency in compiling and debugging is at the heart of any modern operating system. AlmaLinux OS 10 has bolstered its system toolchain to ensure that users have access to the best development environment possible:

- Compilers and Libraries: The system’s primary compiler, GCC, has been updated to version 14.2 and the GNU C Library (glibc) now runs at version 2.39. Complementary tools like Annobin and binutils have also seen updates (to 12.92 and 2.41 respectively), ensuring seamless integration between source code and system libraries.

- Debugging Tools: A suite of debugging tools is now more powerful than ever. GDB has been upgraded to version 14.2, while Valgrind now stands at version 3.24 and SystemTap at version 5.2. Additionally, tools such as Dyninst, elfutils, and libabigail have been refreshed, providing developers with comprehensive strategies to dissect and improve application behavior.

Performance Monitoring and Compiler Toolsets

Beyond the fundamental build tools, AlmaLinux OS 10 also takes performance monitoring seriously:

- Performance Monitoring: The integration of updated performance monitoring tools like PCP (version 6.3.2) and Grafana (version 10.2.6) means that system administrators can now monitor workloads with greater precision, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that systems run optimally.

- Advanced Compiler Toolsets: Keeping pace with modern development techniques, the LLVM toolset has been updated to version 19.1.7, and both the Rust and Go toolsets have been pushed forward to versions 1.84.1 and 1.23, respectively. These enhancements enable developers to leverage the latest language features and performance improvements while developing applications that run efficiently on AlmaLinux OS 10.

Pushing the Boundaries of Security

No modern enterprise operating system would be complete without state-of-the-art security features, and AlmaLinux OS 10 does not disappoint:

- Post-Quantum Cryptography: Recognising the impending challenges of quantum computing, AlmaLinux OS 10 introduces support for post-quantum cryptography within its system-wide cryptographic policies. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure that the operating system remains resilient against future threats.

- OpenSSL TLS Toolkit Enhancements: The OpenSSL TLS toolkit in this release is significantly upgraded. It now facilitates the creation of FIPS-compliant PKCS 12 files and supports hardware token integration through the pkcs11-provider. This means that secure communications and data transfers are not only faster but also adhere to stringent federal standards.

- OpenSSH and SELinux Upgrades: The OpenSSH suite has been refreshed to version 9.9, offering enhanced features and vital security fixes. Meanwhile, SELinux updates include a new option for the audit2allow tool that provides CIL output mode and better Wayland sandbox support—a crucial development for those relying on robust policy enforcement.

- New Sudo System Role: Administrators managing large fleets of systems will appreciate the introduction of a new sudo system role. This feature simplifies configuration management across multiple systems, streamlining routine processes and reducing the risk of misconfiguration.

- Enhanced Encryption Options: In a bid to complement traditional encryption methods, AlmaLinux OS 10 introduces Sequoia PGP tools (sq and sqv). These tools work alongside the established GnuPG suite, giving users more choices and flexibility in managing OpenPGP encryption and signatures.

Broadening Hardware Support and Special Features

One of the most transformative aspects of AlmaLinux OS 10 is its focus on extended hardware support. Red Hat’s decision to shift its baseline support to x86-64-v3 left many older processors in the lurch. AlmaLinux, however, has innovated by not only shipping x86-64-v3 binaries by default but also offering a dedicated x86-64-v2 build. This dual support strategy means that even older, yet still perfectly functional, hardware can continue to receive vital security updates for another decade—a feature that underscores AlmaLinux’s commitment to inclusivity and longevity.

Additionally, the release features enhanced support for Secure Boot on both Intel/AMD and ARM platforms, providing a robust framework for boot-time security that’s crucial in today’s threat landscape. Responding to long-standing community requests, SPICE support has been fully re-enabled for both server and client applications, ensuring that remote computing environments receive the full benefits of enhanced protocols. Furthermore, a technology preview offering KVM virtualization support for the IBM POWER architecture has been included, opening exciting possibilities for users operating in niche yet critical computational environments.

Taken together, the changelog of AlmaLinux OS 10 is not merely a set of version bumps—it’s a carefully curated suite of improvements engineered to address real-world challenges. Whether you’re benchmarking performance improvements, refining security practices, or looking to extend the lifespan of legacy hardware, every aspect of this release has been thoughtfully designed to meet today’s enterprise demands while anticipating the needs of tomorrow.

Installation & Community Support

Getting started with AlmaLinux OS 10 is as accessible as it is exciting. The AlmaLinux team has gone to great lengths to ensure that the installation experience is straightforward, regardless of your level of expertise or the hardware you’re working with. Multiple installation media options are available, each designed to meet different needs and environments.

Choosing Your Installation Media

For those looking to set up a standard environment, AlmaLinux OS 10 is available as a boot ISO image that facilitates network installations. This image is ideal if you prefer to start with a minimal footprint and allow the installer to download the most up-to-date packages directly from the vast network of official mirrors. If you need to perform an installation without a reliable internet connection, the distribution also provides a minimal self-contained DVD image. This offline installation medium contains the essential packages you need for a successful setup.

For a more traditional approach, users can opt for the full installation DVD image, which includes nearly all the packages available in the repository. This option is particularly useful for enterprise environments where a consistent installation across multiple systems is desirable. Additionally, AlmaLinux OS 10 isn’t just limited to physical media. Cloud enthusiasts, container aficionados, and live environment users are all covered by dedicated releases that have been optimised for platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and Oracle OCI. These cloud and container images allow for rapid deployment with pre-configured settings tailored to modern virtualised environments.

Recommended System Requirements

Before you embark on installing AlmaLinux OS 10, it’s important to ensure that your hardware meets the recommended system requirements:

- Disk Space: At a bare minimum, a disk allocation of 10 GB is required; however, a generous 20 GB is recommended to accommodate additional packages, updates, and future expansions.

- Memory: A minimum of 1.5 GB RAM is necessary to run the system smoothly. That said, if you plan to run more resource-intensive applications or multiple services concurrently, having additional memory will improve performance.

- Architectural Support: AlmaLinux OS 10 proudly supports a variety of platforms. Official images are available for Intel/AMD (both x86-64 and the extended x86-64-v2), ARM64, IBM PowerPC, and IBM Z systems. This extensive list ensures that users with both modern and legacy hardware can adopt the distribution with confidence.

Installation Process and Best Practices

The installation process itself has been finely tuned for ease of use. Detailed installation guides are available on the AlmaLinux Wiki, presenting clear, step-by-step instructions—from downloading the ISO to creating a bootable USB drive and carrying out the installation. I found that the process is quite intuitive, with friendly prompts and options that allow you to configure your system to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re performing a fresh install or migrating from an earlier release, the AlmaLinux installation procedures ensure a smooth transition.

One of the key recommendations during installation is to verify the integrity of the downloaded image. This extra step—using checksum verification or GPG signatures—helps guarantee that your ISO is authentic and untampered with, thereby safeguarding your installation process right from the start. Though it might seem like an extra precaution, it can make all the difference in ensuring a secure and reliable setup.

Community-Driven Technical Support

Beyond the installation media and guides, AlmaLinux OS 10 is backed by a robust and caring community. The AlmaLinux OS Foundation, along with an active network of volunteers and experts, offers multiple channels for support, including:

- Official Forums and Chat Channels: Engage with fellow users and developers via the dedicated AlmaLinux Mattermost channels, forums, and subreddit. These platforms are not only great for troubleshooting but also for learning best practices and sharing user experiences.

- Bug Tracker and Feedback Systems: Should you encounter any issues, the AlmaLinux Bug Tracker provides an avenue for reporting problems. Your feedback is not only welcome—it’s integral to the ongoing evolution of the distribution.

- Extensive Documentation: The AlmaLinux Wiki hosts a comprehensive set of installation guides, troubleshooting manuals, and configuration guides. Whether you’re new to Linux or a seasoned administrator, you’ll find the documentation to be an indispensable resource.

For enterprises planning large-scale deployments, the availability of cloud and container images means that AlmaLinux OS 10 can fit seamlessly into existing infrastructure. The diversity of installation options demonstrates AlmaLinux’s commitment to ensuring that every user—regardless of their background or technical requirements—can benefit from its stable and secure foundations.

In essence, the installation process and community support framework of AlmaLinux OS 10 reflect the project’s overall philosophy: making enterprise-grade Linux accessible, secure, and easy to maintain. The combination of varied installation media, clear system requirements, and active technical support channels means that whether you are setting up a single server or an entire data center, AlmaLinux OS 10 is designed to make your deployment experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

RHEL-Compatible Comparison

In the ever-expanding landscape of RHEL-compatible distributions, AlmaLinux OS 10 stands alongside peers like Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, and CentOS Stream. Each of these distributions offers its own set of strengths, but what sets AlmaLinux OS 10 apart is its distinctive blend of innovation, community governance, and practical enhancements tailored to meet both modern and legacy needs.

Consider the empowering features of AlmaLinux OS 10 in the context of the current enterprise Linux ecosystem:

- Community and Governance:

AlmaLinux OS 10 is truly a community-driven project. Born out of a collective need for a stable alternative to the shifting policies of CentOS, it continues to thrive under the auspices of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation. Unlike Oracle Linux, which blends commercial oversight with its open-source roots, AlmaLinux remains independent—ensuring that every update and feature is deeply rooted in community feedback and technical merit. This democratic approach has fostered a lively, inclusive environment that benefits both novice users and seasoned professionals.

- Hardware Compatibility:

One of the most notable distinctions of AlmaLinux OS 10 is its dual support for x86-64 architectures. Where many distributions have adopted a strict x86-64-v3 baseline, AlmaLinux offers an alternative build for x86-64-v2 systems. This means that even users with older hardware can continue to operate securely and efficiently—a major advantage for organizations with legacy systems that might otherwise be forced into costly upgrades.

- Developer-Centric Enhancements:

Developers often face a myriad of challenges when it comes to debugging and performance optimization. AlmaLinux OS 10 addresses these head-on by enabling frame pointers by default. This seemingly technical nuance translates into real-world benefits: improved system-wide real-time tracing and easier performance profiling. While other distributions like Rocky Linux offer robust environments, AlmaLinux’s proactive stance in integrating these advanced debugging capabilities presents a distinct advantage for development teams striving for excellence.

- Security and Modernization:

Security is paramount in today’s threat landscape, and AlmaLinux OS 10 places it at the forefront. With innovations such as post-quantum cryptography support, enhanced OpenSSL TLS toolkit functions, and the updated OpenSSH suite, it meets the stringent demands of modern data centres. In contrast, CentOS Stream, with its focus more on previewing upcoming RHEL changes, might not provide the same level of stability and security for mission-critical applications. AlmaLinux OS 10’s commitment to long-term support ensures that your systems not only stay secure today but are also prepared for the threats of tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

AlmaLinux OS 10 is more than just another Linux distribution—it’s a statement of purpose for the open-source community. With its comprehensive updates, enhanced hardware support, and a keen eye on both current and future challenges, this release embodies the perfect marriage of stability and innovation. For developers, system administrators, and enterprises alike, the Purple Lion signifies a reliable, forward-thinking platform that respects the demands of legacy hardware while propelling modern technological trends.

The beauty of AlmaLinux OS 10 lies in its balance. It continues the time-tested legacy of being fully compatible with RHEL while also daring to push the envelope with forward-looking enhancements. Whether you are deploying servers in a data centre, building scalable cloud-native applications, or simply exploring the robust features of a free, community-governed Linux, AlmaLinux OS 10 stands as a robust option that champions transparency, innovation, and resilience.

It is clear that in the realm of enterprise Linux distributions, AlmaLinux OS 10 offers a compelling alternative that does not compromise on performance or security. By integrating thoughtful upgrades with a well-honed philosophy of community collaboration, it addresses the needs of a wide spectrum of users—from the developer meticulously fine-tuning application performance to the administrator managing a fleet of legacy systems. The release is an invitation to explore a distribution that not only meets the technical requirements of modern enterprise environments but also embodies the spirit of open-source ingenuity.

In summary, AlmaLinux OS 10: Purple Lion Unleashed is a transformative release that combines cutting-edge security enhancements, advanced developer tools, and extended hardware support with the proven stability of enterprise-grade Linux. It is an ideal platform for those who value a community-driven approach without sacrificing the robustness and compatibility expected from a major RHEL alternative. As you consider adopting AlmaLinux OS 10 for your next project or deployment, I encourage you to explore its rich ecosystem, engage with its supportive community, and take advantage of its impressive range of technical features.

Whether you’re a curious enthusiast or a seasoned professional, AlmaLinux OS 10 is poised to deliver a robust, reliable, and innovative platform that stands the test of time. Enjoy exploring the Purple Lion and let its roar invigorate your enterprise Linux experience!

Disclaimer:

This article includes trade names and trademarks owned by their respective companies. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. End-users are advised to install and use AlmaLinux OS 10—and any open-source software—at their own calculated risk after thorough deliberation. Always back up important data before proceeding with any installation or upgrade.

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