Open Source Linux Distribution, Derived from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Compatible with RHEL for a Free Enterprise Class Linux Solution
CentOS (Community Enterprise Operating System) is an open source Linux distribution derived from the source code of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). CentOS was created to provide a free alternative to RHEL, which requires a paid subscription for support and updates.
CentOS is binary compatible with RHEL so software certified and supported for RHEL is also compatible with CentOS. This also means CentOS inherits RHEL's enterprise-grade features and stability while still remaining open source and free.
The CentOS project directly tracks RHEL's development and releases updates at the same time RHEL updates. CentOS is popular for running web servers, development environments, and hosting virtual applications due to its enterprise-class stability, performance, and support for open source technologies.
Some key features of CentOS include high compatibility with RHEL without the paid subscription, a large community-based package repository and support, stability needed for production environments, compatibility with RHEL enterprise tools/apps, and a reliable update path that tracks RHEL development for years.
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