The release of Rocky Linux 10 marks a turning point in the open source operating system landscape, particularly for those seeking a robust and free alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. The Linux community is offered a new platform that builds on the solid foundations of RHEL, while introducing major technical improvements and support for innovative architectures such as RISC-V. For system administrators and software developers, Rocky Linux 10 represents an immediate response to the need for a reliable, secure IT infrastructure, yet free from commercial constraints.
In a context where Red Hat tends to restrict access to certain resources, the emergence of Rocky Linux 10 reaffirms the vitality of the open source model and free software. This distribution aims to meet the demanding requirements of servers and production environments, with an extended support cycle. This release comes after an intense period of evolution and debate within the Linux communities, highlighting the ongoing quest for a stable, powerful, and accessible alternative. Available as ISO images for multiple architectures, Rocky Linux 10 provides a consistent foundation for diverse uses, from the data center to software development, while integrating recent technologies and updated tools. This project doesn’t simply copy RHEL; it claims to be, while asserting itself through its own initiatives and innovations. Here’s a detailed exploration of the new features and strategic implications of Rocky Linux 10 for the Linux operating system market.
Compatibility and Architecture: Strengthening Support for RISC-V and Other Platforms
One of the major advances in Rocky Linux 10 is undoubtedly the integration of support for the 64-bit RISC-V architecture. This open-source architecture is gaining popularity, particularly in research and innovative hardware development circles, thanks to its flexibility and open-source model. By offering a stable operating system on RISC-V, Rocky Linux 10 is positioned as a spearhead to support this technological transition towards alternative architectures to the traditional x86.
In addition to RISC-V, Rocky Linux 10 maintains strong support for the 64-bit AMD/Intel x86-64-v3, ARMv8.0-A (AArch64), IBM POWER little endian (ppc64le), and IBM z (s390x) architectures. This expanded range ensures comprehensive coverage of current IT infrastructures, meeting the diverse needs of modern servers. Furthermore, the removal of support for the x86-64-v2 architecture marks a clear desire to focus on newer, more powerful hardware configurations that are better suited to current requirements.
However, the deprecation of 32-bit packages reflects an important technical shift. This decision follows the general trend in the Linux community, which favors 64-bit architectures for performance, security, and compatibility with modern applications. While this decision may pose challenges for older systems or certain specific software, it illustrates a strategic shift toward modernizing the IT environment.
Official support for 64-bit RISC-V:
- extension to a new generation of open source architectures. Maintaining classic architectures:
- AMD/Intel x86-64-v3, ARMv8-A, IBM POWER, and IBM z. Dropping support for x86-64-v2:
- optimization for recent hardware. Deprecation of 32-bit packages: Focus on 64-bit for performance. In an IT environment where hardware heterogeneity is often the norm, this revised compatibility provides professionals with a solid and scalable foundation. For businesses and software development environments, Rocky Linux 10 guarantees flexible and sustainable deployment. This choice of architectures is therefore in line with current technological trends and prepares users for a future where RISC-V could become an essential standard.
- Discover Rocky Linux 10, a robust and secure open source distribution designed to offer a reliable alternative to CentOS. Enjoy optimal performance, proven stability, and long-term support for your server projects and applications. Network and Security Features: Advanced Integration with NetworkManager and Remote Access
Network management in a modern server environment is crucial, and Rocky Linux 10 incorporates significant improvements in this area, notably through the implementation of a DHCP client as an internal subsystem of NetworkManager. This closer integration enables improved network connection stability, more efficient configuration, and centralized management of IP settings. This development offers much-needed reliability gains in IT infrastructures, particularly for servers and virtual machines that rely on dynamic and secure network configuration.
Regarding remote graphical access, the integration of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) by default allows for simpler and more universal control of graphical workstations, particularly in corporate environments. This feature improves the experience for system administrators and end users, providing smooth, fast, and secure access to graphical sessions without the need to install third-party clients. RDP is a widely adopted standard in IT infrastructures, and its native presence in Rocky Linux 10 underscores a commitment to complete and functional integration.
Integrated DHCP client in NetworkManager:
Better network management. Default administrative privileges:
Simplification of system tasks, vigilance required.
- Accessible via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Native and secure remote graphical access.
- These new features demonstrate that Rocky Linux 10 is not limited to a simple fork of RHEL, but is committed to a true dynamic of continuous improvement, adapting the system to the practical needs of server and IT infrastructure professionals. They significantly enhance the usability and security of deployments, benefiting Linux communities and businesses seeking to remain agile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7oRRnAWd9M
- Modernized Graphics Environment: Transition to Wayland and Impact on Users One of the major changes in Rocky Linux 10 concerns the graphics layer. Xorg Server, long standard in Linux distributions, is replaced by Wayland as the primary display server. Wayland offers a more secure and efficient model for graphics management, notably thanks to a simplified architecture that reduces latency and improves resource management.
To ensure compatibility with applications still using X11, Rocky Linux 10 includes Xwayland, a component that allows these applications to run in the Wayland environment. This gradual transition is crucial to avoid functionality loss, while encouraging developers to port their applications to more modern technologies. However, some users may experience performance or configuration adjustments, particularly in specific scenarios where interaction with graphics drivers is critical. The move to Wayland demonstrates a strong commitment to modernizing Linux systems, in line with developments seen in other major distributions. For system administrators deploying Rocky Linux 10, this means anticipating the necessary adaptations to graphical interfaces and desktop environment management scripts.
Better security and performance.
Inclusion of Xwayland:
Compatibility with existing X11 applications.
Considerations for graphics drivers:
- Adaptation required depending on the hardware. Note that the live ISO images offered mainly include GNOME and KDE Plasma, two well-established desktop environments benefiting from good support from Wayland. Enterprise-side deployments will find a balance here between innovation and stability, while enjoying a more modern and responsive user environment.
- discover rocky linux 10, an open source distribution based on red hat enterprise linux, designed to offer a stable and secure alternative. Ideal for businesses and developers, Rocky Linux 10 promises optimal performance and active community support. Impact for developers and the Linux community
- This graphical evolution paves the way for better integration of open source technologies while contributing to a more coherent Linux ecosystem. Developers now have at their disposal a robust base to exploit new graphics features and optimize the user experience. The Linux community also benefits from an updated benchmark, where technical progress is aligned with the requirements of modern applications, whether business, scientific or advanced software development. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIpRWmsnPbE
Software updates and embedded technologies: recent tools and programming languages
These languages allow developers to structure their applications with increased guarantees of memory safety, performance, and modularity. Rust, for example, is gaining popularity for its garbage-free memory management system, particularly suited to critical programs and server services. Go, meanwhile, facilitates distributed development and web services, while Python remains essential for scripting, data analysis, and automation.
Beyond languages, the distribution includes updated versions of tools such as LLVM 19.1.7 for the compiler, GDB 14.2 for advanced debugging, and Grafana 10.2.6, a standard for visualizing and monitoring system data. This selection of tools meets the needs of both system administrators and developers working on complex projects.
Memory safety and increased reliability.
Go 1.23:
Easier development of network applications. Python 3.12: Versatility in scripting and automation.
LLVM, GDB, Grafana: Critical tools for compilation, debugging, and monitoring.
- In terms of databases, Rocky Linux 10 includes PostgreSQL 16.8, MariaDB 10.11, and MySQL 8.4, offering a comprehensive choice for IT infrastructure administrators and developers. These database management systems guarantee performance and reliability in mission-critical deployments while respecting open source principles. Maintaining such a modern software environment provides a scalable and secure foundation for businesses, enabling innovation without compromising stability and security. For users, this translates into a better experience in systems management and development.
- Discover Rocky Linux 10, a robust and secure open source distribution, ideal for servers and cloud environments. Take advantage of its advanced features and compatibility with enterprise applications for an optimal user experience. Choosing Rocky Linux 10 for your IT infrastructure: benefits and use cases
- Rocky Linux 10 is now an essential option for any organization looking for a free and open source alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. This distribution, with an extended support cycle, broad hardware compatibility, and up-to-date tools, is suitable for small and medium-sized servers as well as large enterprise infrastructures. In the server sector, Rocky Linux 10 offers a stable platform for hosting business applications, databases, or web services. Its rich software and strict adherence to RHEL compatibility make it easy to migrate client environments to this solution without loss of functionality. Furthermore, for software development teams, Rocky Linux 10 provides a robust environment where modern tools are natively available. This supports both the production of high-performance applications and facilitates continuous integration. This distribution is also popular in data centers based on heterogeneous architectures, particularly with its RISC-V support.
- Easy migration from RHEL or CentOS: maintains compatibility.
Support for various architectures:
flexible server deployments.
accelerates development and administration.
Open source solution with no licensing costs: reduces TCO (total cost of ownership).System administrators and enterprise IT managers will find Rocky Linux 10 a reliable, flexible, and scalable platform. For those looking for a ready-to-use Linux distribution with regular updates and an active community, Rocky Linux 10 offers quality equivalent to commercial solutions, but in open source mode.
This choice is part of the trend of the best Linux distributions for NAS and other server applications where security, stability, and free access are key criteria. In a constantly evolving IT world, Rocky Linux 10 stands out as a modern and robust alternative that combines performance and freedom.