What is Rocky Linux? Who it is for
Rocky Linux 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.
Rocky Linux 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 Rocky Linux suits
Rocky Linux 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 Rocky Linux from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Rocky Linux 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 Rocky Linux
Installing software on Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux 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 Rocky Linux good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Rocky Linux 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 Rocky Linux use?
Rocky Linux uses GNOME. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Rocky Linux need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Rocky Linux based on another distribution?
Rocky Linux is built to stay compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
How often is Rocky Linux updated?
Rocky Linux follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Rocky Linux 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.