Oh ye stupide fules, ye got Screwed Again by RedHat
Fortunately but painfully we learned our lesson in 2003 as RedHat first screwed everyone with Fedora, and we’ve been warning everyone away from RedHat / RHEL / Fedora ever since.
Welcome to RedHat ScrewYou Two
IBM’s Red Hat Just Killed CentOS as we Know it: With CentOS Stream, Stability Goes out of the Door
Their Abrupt Anti-Youser bottom line: “…while the paid RHEL users will enjoy the well-tested stable server, community members will have no option other than using a not-so-stable rolling release distribution. … For the moment, despite all the assurances, it looks like CentOS is becoming the beta of RHEL future releases. … The worst part is that Red Hat and CentOS didn’t bother to take users into confidence. At least they could have made these changes with CentOS 9. This sudden ending of CentOS 8 is a bad move. Imagine the situation where sysadmin(s) put effort to migrate from CentOS 7 to 8, only to realize that its support is ending 8 years earlier. …leaving…users in trouble like this is grossly irresponsible.“
CentOS Linux is dead—and Red Hat says Stream is “not a replacement”
LOL. Maybe this time around, you too will stop trusting (and investing in) profit-only-driven companies that do not put tech and morality first, above money and all other motives.
See also: Apologists’ prepology: http://crunchtools.com/before-you-get-mad-about-the-centos-stream-change-think-about/
See also also: CentOS: Why the shift to CentOS Stream is a big mistake
The blog post titled “Oh ye stupide fules, ye got Screwed Again by RedHat,” published on February 14, 2021, on wp.brenden.com, discusses the author’s criticism of Red Hat’s decision to transition CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream. The author expresses frustration, recalling a similar sentiment from 2003 when Red Hat shifted its focus to Fedora. The post references external articles to support its viewpoint:
- An article from It’s FOSS highlighting concerns about CentOS Stream’s stability and the abrupt nature of the change.
- A piece from Ars Technica discussing the end of CentOS Linux and clarifying that CentOS Stream is “not a replacement.”
The author advises caution against relying on profit-driven companies that may not prioritize user interests. Additionally, the post links to an article from CrunchTools offering a perspective on the CentOS Stream change and another from TechRepublic criticizing the shift to CentOS Stream.
Overall, the post conveys a strong disapproval of Red Hat’s actions regarding CentOS and serves as a cautionary message to the open-source community.
CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is a Linux distribution developed and maintained by the CentOS Project, now governed by Red Hat (a subsidiary of IBM). It represents a shift from the traditional CentOS model and introduces a rolling-release paradigm. Here’s a detailed breakdown of CentOS Stream and what it entails:
What is CentOS Stream?
CentOS Stream is a continuously delivered distribution that lies between Fedora (upstream) and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) (downstream). It acts as a preview or “development branch” for the next minor release of RHEL, providing users with a forward-looking view of Red Hat’s enterprise Linux roadmap.
How Does It Differ from Traditional CentOS?
- CentOS Linux (Discontinued):
- CentOS Linux was a rebuild of RHEL, providing a binary-compatible clone of RHEL without the subscription fees.
- It followed RHEL releases closely, acting as a downstream distribution.
- CentOS Stream:
- CentOS Stream is now upstream of RHEL but downstream of Fedora.
- Instead of being a stable, production-ready clone of RHEL, it serves as a “midstream” platform where updates for the next RHEL version are tested.
Key Features of CentOS Stream
- Rolling Release Model:
- Updates are delivered on a continuous basis, meaning that CentOS Stream is always evolving and incorporating new features, bug fixes, and security updates.
- Preview of RHEL:
- Users can see what changes are coming in the next version of RHEL before they are officially released.
- Collaboration Platform:
- Developers and contributors can submit feedback, patches, or enhancements to influence the direction of upcoming RHEL releases.
- Faster Updates:
- Compared to traditional CentOS Linux, CentOS Stream offers a faster cadence of updates, enabling organizations to test new features and provide feedback earlier in the development cycle.
Use Cases
- Development and Testing:
Developers use CentOS Stream to test their applications and systems against upcoming RHEL changes. - Contributing to RHEL:
Developers and organizations can directly contribute code or report bugs to shape future RHEL releases. - Bridge Between Fedora and RHEL:
Organizations that use Fedora for cutting-edge development can transition more smoothly to CentOS Stream as they prepare for RHEL.
Advantages of CentOS Stream
- Insight into RHEL Development:
- Users gain early access to updates and can align their systems accordingly.
- Active Participation:
- It allows the open-source community to actively contribute to RHEL development.
- Continual Improvements:
- The rolling-release nature ensures that CentOS Stream always incorporates the latest fixes and enhancements.
- Community-Driven:
- A collaborative environment for users, developers, and vendors.
Challenges of CentOS Stream
- Stability Concerns:
- Unlike CentOS Linux, CentOS Stream is not designed to be a 1:1 replacement for RHEL, making it less stable for some production environments.
- Learning Curve:
- Users familiar with traditional CentOS Linux may need time to adapt to the rolling-release model.
- End of CentOS Linux:
- The discontinuation of CentOS Linux (as of December 2021) led to dissatisfaction among users who relied on it as a stable, RHEL-compatible distribution.
CentOS Stream and RHEL Relationship
CentOS Stream essentially acts as a “staging area” for RHEL updates:
- Changes made in CentOS Stream are integrated into RHEL after thorough testing and feedback.
- Organizations can identify and address compatibility issues ahead of official RHEL updates.
Migration Options Post-CentOS Linux
With the shift to CentOS Stream, some users sought alternatives:
- AlmaLinux:
- A community-driven RHEL-compatible distribution designed to replace traditional CentOS.
- Rocky Linux:
- Created by Gregory Kurtzer, the founder of the CentOS project, to serve as a true downstream RHEL clone.
- RHEL Developer Subscription:
- Red Hat offers free RHEL developer subscriptions for individual use.
CentOS Stream in Practice
- Ideal for development environments where organizations want to keep pace with RHEL’s evolution.
- Suitable for users who wish to collaborate with Red Hat and contribute to the future of enterprise Linux.
- Not a direct substitute for production environments requiring absolute stability (traditional CentOS Linux users might prefer Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux in such cases).
In summary, CentOS Stream is a proactive platform bridging Fedora’s cutting-edge features with RHEL’s stability, making it an essential tool for those contributing to or tracking RHEL’s development lifecycle.
CentOS Stream vs CentOS Linux
Here’s a detailed comparison of CentOS Stream and CentOS Linux to highlight their differences:
1. Purpose and Role
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Acts as an upstream branch for RHEL, previewing upcoming changes and updates. | Was a downstream clone of RHEL, offering a stable, production-ready distribution. |
| Designed for developers and contributors who want to see and influence the development of RHEL. | Provided a stable and reliable platform for production environments, closely mirroring RHEL. |
2. Development Model
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Rolling-release model: Continuous updates, incorporating changes destined for the next RHEL version. | Point-release model: Periodic releases, rebuilt and fully aligned with RHEL’s stable versions. |
| Focused on innovation and showcasing updates as they are developed. | Focused on stability by providing a rebuild of RHEL’s tested and proven codebase. |
3. Stability
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Stability can vary as it includes features still being tested for future RHEL releases. | Highly stable, as it was based on already-tested RHEL versions. |
| Not recommended for critical production environments. | Widely used in production environments for its enterprise-grade reliability. |
4. Updates
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Updates are more frequent, reflecting changes being developed for the next minor RHEL release. | Updates were aligned with RHEL’s release cycle, often delayed until the corresponding RHEL release was finalized. |
| Early access to new features, bug fixes, and enhancements. | Updates ensured maximum stability and compatibility. |
5. Audience
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Designed for developers, testers, and contributors who want to work with or influence RHEL’s future. | Geared toward enterprises and organizations that needed a free, RHEL-compatible production environment. |
| Ideal for environments where frequent updates and feature previews are acceptable. | Ideal for environments where stability and predictability are critical. |
6. Relationship to RHEL
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Sits upstream of RHEL. Changes in CentOS Stream are eventually incorporated into RHEL. | Sat downstream of RHEL. It was a binary-compatible rebuild of RHEL’s source code. |
| Provides a development branch for the next minor RHEL version. | Provided a stable clone of the current RHEL version. |
7. Use Cases
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Development, testing, and previewing: Useful for organizations that want early access to future RHEL updates. | Production environments: Ideal for companies needing a stable, free alternative to RHEL. |
| Suitable for contributing to or aligning with Red Hat’s roadmap. | Suitable for mission-critical workloads with minimal risk. |
8. Longevity
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Introduced as a rolling-release platform in December 2020 and continues to evolve. | Discontinued in December 2021, with CentOS Linux 8 being its final release. |
9. Community and Feedback
| CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|
| Allows the community to participate in RHEL development, report bugs, and suggest changes. | Focused on delivering a stable product without involving the community in upstream development. |
| Collaborative development and feedback loop with Red Hat. | Primarily used as a passive consumer of RHEL’s stable updates. |
10. Alternatives
- With the discontinuation of CentOS Linux, organizations looking for a RHEL-compatible production environment have transitioned to alternatives like:
- AlmaLinux: A community-driven, RHEL-compatible fork.
- Rocky Linux: Another RHEL-compatible rebuild, spearheaded by CentOS co-founder Gregory Kurtzer.
Summary
| Aspect | CentOS Stream | CentOS Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Less stable, rolling-release updates. | Highly stable, point-release updates. |
| Target Audience | Developers, testers, contributors. | Enterprises and production environments. |
| Update Frequency | Continuous updates. | Updates after RHEL’s stable releases. |
| Relationship to RHEL | Upstream (ahead of RHEL). | Downstream (aligned with RHEL). |
Conclusion:
- CentOS Stream is ideal for development, testing, and contributions toward the RHEL ecosystem.
- CentOS Linux (now discontinued) was the go-to choice for stable production environments, replaced by AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux for those seeking RHEL compatibility without cost.