What is AlmaLinux? Who it is for
AlmaLinux is built to stay compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It uses GNOME as its desktop and dnf for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
AlmaLinux at a glance
- Foundation: built to stay compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- Desktop: GNOME
- Software tools: dnf
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: the Anaconda installer
Who AlmaLinux suits
AlmaLinux suits people running servers or workstations who want Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatibility and long support.
Strengths
- A strong fit for servers and always-on machines, thanks to long support and predictable updates.
- Changes arrive slowly and are tested first, so the system rarely surprises you.
Things to consider
- Software versions are conservative, so brand-new desktop applications may arrive later.
- Stability means some software is not the very newest version.
- As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try AlmaLinux from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the AlmaLinux bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare AlmaLinux
Installing software on AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux uses dnf. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
dnf search name sudo dnf install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is AlmaLinux good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but AlmaLinux is aimed more at people running servers or workstations who want Red Hat Enterprise Linux compatibility and long support. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does AlmaLinux use?
AlmaLinux uses GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does AlmaLinux need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is AlmaLinux based on another distribution?
AlmaLinux is built to stay compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
How often is AlmaLinux updated?
AlmaLinux follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try AlmaLinux without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.