The tech community has warmly welcomed the release of AlmaLinux OS 9.5, known as “Teal Serval.” This free operating system, based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), aims to solidify its position as a reliable and accessible solution for users and businesses in need of a robust and secure work environment.
With this new version, AlmaLinux introduces significant improvements in performance, development tools, and security. Notable updates include the addition of .NET 9.0, BIND 9.18, GCC 14, LLVM 18.1.8, Rust 1.79.0, and Go 1.22, along with new module streams and updated performance monitoring tools.
Key Features of AlmaLinux 9.5
AlmaLinux 9.5 ships with the 5.14.0-503.11.1.el9_5 kernel and is available for four primary architectures: x86_64, aarch64, ppc64le, and s390x. Users can access installation images through official repositories, including network installation options, minimal offline installation images, and full-package DVDs.
The operating system also offers cloud images for platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, alongside specific options for containers, LXC/LXD, and Raspberry Pi devices. These options enable users to deploy AlmaLinux across a wide range of environments, accommodating specific needs such as virtualization and hybrid cloud infrastructures.
In terms of security, AlmaLinux reinforces its commitment by updating OpenSSL to version 3.2.2, which includes support for new extensions like certificate compression and Brainpool curves in the TLS 1.3 protocol. Additionally, SELinux policies and cryptographic configurations have been hardened to enhance protection against potential vulnerabilities.
A Community-Driven and Sustainable Approach
A cornerstone of AlmaLinux’s philosophy is its community-driven focus. Users are encouraged to actively participate in testing, reporting bugs, and sharing suggestions through forums, chats, and dedicated community channels. This collaborative model ensures that the operating system evolves to meet the real-world needs of its users.
Furthermore, AlmaLinux removes RHEL-specific packages that rely on vendor-specific resources or licenses, such as Red Hat’s graphical modules and support components, offering instead community-driven alternatives tailored to its users’ needs.
Innovation and Ease of Use
For developers, AlmaLinux 9.5 stands out with tools like GCC Toolset 14, LLVM Toolset 18.1.8, Rust Toolset 1.79.0, and Go Toolset 1.22, providing access to the latest compiler optimizations. Performance monitoring tools, including Grafana 10.2.6 and PCP 6.2.2, have also been updated, enhancing data visualization and performance analysis capabilities.
AlmaLinux’s versatility is further highlighted by its new live images, which include desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, XFCE, and MATE, offering a customizable and efficient user experience.
A Strong Alternative for the Future
AlmaLinux 9.5 strengthens its position as a solid and free alternative to RHEL, delivering a stable, secure, and flexible environment for businesses and developers alike. With an active community and a commitment to innovation, AlmaLinux continues to demonstrate that high-quality solutions can be accessible without barriers or prohibitive costs. The availability of this version marks another step toward the democratization of open-source technologies.
