The version series 8.X of the free RHEL-KLONS CENTOS is set at the end of 2021. Instead, with Centos Stream, it continues, an already available since September 2019 variant of Linux distribution, the like one "Rolling Release" Constant updates and thus fresher packages as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).
Completely compatible with the role model Rash is then CENTOS but then no longer, it will develop from this point on a kind of harbinger for the upcoming RHEL version. On an installed system, CENTOS 8 is switched to stream over a changeover of the repositories. However, for Stream are also available, for example, installed in one-monthly updated installation media.
CENTOS 7 is maintained further
CENTOS has been feeding from the freely available RHEL source packages since 2004. Rhel himself is only available on a subscription for developers or paying customers. So far, a new RHEL- always followed a few months later a CENTOS version. These brought the same innovations and software versions as the RHEL version, but renounced the trademarked content and certified security policies of Red Hat / IBM, under whose agide has been the development of the previously independent centos for seven years. With this procedure, according to an envision in the CENTOS blog now conclusion.
However, the CENTOS version series 7 remains untouched.X, which continues to receive updates until the regular support end in June 2024. Cent OS 7.9 will be the last ie resulting from the RHEL sources. Many companies have set in anticipation of a long lifespan at Centos 7. Therefore, the CENTOS developers do not want to adjust the distribution prematurely. Also, it is not possible to bring an ie of version 7 to CENTOS stream, as the version differences are too crude.
New RHEL clone "Rocky" in planning
However, Centos-Greger Kurtzer knew a new Rhel clone called Rocky and registered the right domain Rockylinux.org. Interested parties are currently collecting in the IRC network of Freenode in the channels #rockylinux and # Rockylinux-Devel.
Kurtzer was not a strong member of the developer team and instead worked with projects to Kubernetes and High-Performance Computing. The clone planned by him is supposed to follow the publication frequency of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, like CENTOS, again. Its sources will continue to be published to fulfill the requirements of the GNU General Public License.
The name "Rockylinux" is a tribute to the deceased CENTOS coarse and former maintainer Rocky McGough.