CentOS and RedHat Configuration and Management

Are CentOS and RedHat the same?

CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are not exactly the same, but CentOS is built from the same source code as RHEL. RHEL is a commercial product, while CentOS was a free, community-supported rebuild of RHEL without the branding and commercial support. The CentOS project focused on providing a free alternative to RHEL but with the same functionality.


Despite their immediate kinship, CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are not alike. An overview of their parallels and variations is provided below:


##Similarities

Source Code: CentOS is made from the same reference code as RHEL, making them almost similar in functionality. Both allocations use the RPM box manager and support similar compatibility and bug fixes.


Community Involvement: Both CentOS and RHEL use assistance from a congregation of developers, including considerable employed by Red Hat. This transmitted development approach ensures that CentOS inherits updates and fixes from RHEL.


## Differences

Support and Licensing: The most important distinction lies in support and licensing. RHEL is a commercial product that demands a paid subscription for authorized support, while CentOS is a free, community-supported option without official support from Red Hat.


Development Model: CentOS has transitioned to contain CentOS Stream, which acts as a rolling preview of the next nominal release of RHEL. This means that while CentOS Linux was historically a regular release echoing RHEL versions, CentOS Stream is more about constant development.


Branding: CentOS releases Red Hat branding and licensing from its builds, furnishing a distinct individuality despite their specialized similarities.

CentOS and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are nearly related, but they are not the exact same.


2. Is CentOS based on Red Hat?


   - Yes, CentOS is founded on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It is basically a downstream clone of RHEL, which indicates that CentOS is assembled from the exact source code used for RHEL. Nevertheless, there are no Red Hat brands in CentOS, and it does not show the paid support options that RHEL provides.


3. Does CentOS use a `systemd`?


   Yes, starting from CentOS 7, CentOS uses `system` as its init system. `system is responsible for managing system processes and services. In older versions like CentOS 6, `init` (SysVinit) was used instead of `system.

`

CentOS does use `systemd`, specifically starting from CentOS 7. This version replaced the older SysVinit system, marking a significant shift in how services and processes are managed on the operating system.


## Overview of `systemd` in CentOS


Using `system' offers several advantages. It significantly cuts boot times through parallel service launches and simplifies dependency management. Additionally, it offers functions like on-demand service starting, process tracking via Linux control groups, and the ability to create system state snapshots.


Benefits of `systemd`: The adoption of `systemd` authorizes faster boot times due to its ability to start services in parallel and manage dependencies more efficiently. It also provides features such as on-demand service starting, process tracking through Linux control groups, and support for system state snapshots.


Configuration and Management: In CentOS 7, configuration files for `systemd` are located in `/etc/systemd/system` for custom services and `/usr/lib/systemd/system` for system services. Users can manage services using the `systemctl` command, which provides a unified interface for controlling services.


In summary, CentOS 7 and later versions utilize `systemd`, enhancing system management capabilities compared to previous versions that relied on SysVinit.


4. How to check the CentOS version?


   - To check the CentOS version, you can use one of the following commands:

     - **For CentOS 7 or later:**

       "`bash

       cat /etc/centos-release

       ```

     - **Alternative method (works for most Linux distributions):**

       "`bash

       lsb_release -d

       ```

     - **Checking with `hostnamectl`:**

       "`bash

       hostnamectl

       ```

     This command allows you to view the operating system version, including CentOS. The CentOS version can be found in a variety of ways, the majority of which use the command line. The most popular options are as follows:


## Command Line Methods


1. **Using `/etc/centos-release`**:

   - This is the simplest method. Open your terminal and run:

     ```bash

     cat /etc/centos-release

     ```

   - This command will display the CentOS version directly[2][3].

2. **Using `hostnamectl`**:

   - For CentOS 7 and above, you can use the `hostnamectl` command:

     ```bash

     hostnamectl

     ```

   - This command provides detailed information about your system, including the operating system version

.

3. **Using `rpm`**:

   - You can also check the version using the RPM package manager:

     ```bash

     rpm -qa centos-release

     ```

   - This command will list the CentOS release package, which includes the version information[4][6].


4. **Using `lsb_release`** (if installed):

   - If you have the `lsb` package installed, you can run:

     ```bash

     lsb_release -a

     ```

   - This will provide comprehensive details about your Linux distribution, including its version[6].


5. **Using `/etc/os-release`**:

   - You can check this file for version details as well:

     ```bash

     cat /etc/os-release

     ```

   - This file contains various information about your operating system, including its version[5].

## Graphical Method

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can check your CentOS version through the System Settings:

- Navigate to **System Settings** > **Details** to view information about your operating system version.

These methods provide reliable ways to determine which version of CentOS you are running, which is crucial for compatibility with software and updates.



:References


https://operavps.com/docs/how-to-check-centos-version/

https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-check-centos-version

https://monovm.com/blog/how-to-check-centos-version/

https://www.redswitches.com/blog/check-centos-version/

https://www.casbay.com/guide/kb/linux-os-centos-version

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/4-ways-to-check-centos-or-rhel-version

https://linuxways.net/best-of-linux/is-centos-exactly-the-same-as-rhel/

https://fullyvital.com/blogs/hair-care/bosley-vs-fully-vital

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