Arch Linux vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

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Arch Linux

563
555
+ 1
108
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

367
235
+ 1
3
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Arch Linux vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux: What are the differences?

# Introduction
Arch Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) are two widely used Linux distributions known for their distinct features and target audiences. Understanding their key differences can help users make informed decisions when choosing a Linux distribution for their specific needs.

1. **Package Management System**: Arch Linux uses a rolling-release model, which means users have access to the latest software updates immediately after they are released. In contrast, RHEL follows a stable-release model with long-term support, emphasizing stability and predictability over having the latest features.

2. **Community Involvement**: Arch Linux is a community-driven distribution, relying on community contributions for software packages, documentation, and support. On the other hand, RHEL is developed and supported by Red Hat Inc., a commercial entity that provides enterprise-level support and services to customers.

3. **Target Audience**: Arch Linux caters to more experienced users and enthusiasts who prefer minimalism, customization, and hands-on system configuration. In contrast, RHEL targets enterprise users and businesses seeking a stable and secure operating system with professional support and services.

4. **Licensing**: Arch Linux is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and follows a strictly open-source philosophy. RHEL, while primarily open source, includes proprietary components and is available under a subscription-based model, offering additional features and support options.

5. **Release Cycle**: Arch Linux does not have fixed release schedules or version numbers, ensuring a continuous flow of updates and improvements. In contrast, RHEL follows a more structured release cycle with major version updates every few years, allowing for planned upgrades and long-term support.

6. **Installation Process**: Arch Linux provides a minimalist installation process that requires users to manually configure the system components, promoting a deeper understanding of the Linux environment. On the other hand, RHEL offers a more guided installation process with advanced features for server installations, making it easier for enterprise users to set up their systems quickly and efficiently.

In Summary, Arch Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux differ in their package management systems, community involvement, target audience, licensing, release cycles, and installation processes, catering to distinct user preferences and requirements.
Decisions about Arch Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Simon Aronsson
Developer Advocate at k6 / Load Impact · | 7 upvotes · 297.2K views

At the moment of the decision, my desktop was the primary place I did work. Due to this, I can't have it blow up on me while I work. While Arch is interesting and powerful, Ubuntu offers (at least for me) a lot more stability and lets me focus on other things than maintaining my own OS installation.

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Pros of Arch Linux
Pros of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
  • 17
    Large Community
  • 15
    Package Manager
  • 13
    Customizable
  • 12
    Rolling Release
  • 11
    Arch User Repository
  • 11
    Bleeding Edge
  • 10
    Extensive Documentation
  • 8
    Arch Build System
  • 7
    X86_64 architecture supported
  • 4
    Can fix bugs yourself if you know how to
  • 1
    Well known
  • 1
    Paid sense of security
  • 1
    Learning curve

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Cons of Arch Linux
Cons of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
  • 4
    Systemd only
  • 3
    Only X86_64 architecture is offically supported
  • 1
    No Guided Installation
  • 1
    System maintenance
  • 1
    Unstable
  • 1
    Comparatively fewer offically supported packages
  • 1
    Tools and package manager change over time
  • 1
    Subcription fees
  • 1
    Glibc based with many complicated hacks
  • 1
    Packages have huge dependency trees
  • 1
    Default Install is lvm
  • 1
    Anaconda

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What is Arch Linux?

A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.

What is Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the industry-leading Linux that provides the foundation for next-generation architectures, with support for all major hardware platforms and thousands of commercial and custom applications.

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What companies use Arch Linux?
What companies use Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?
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What tools integrate with Arch Linux?
What tools integrate with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?

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What are some alternatives to Arch Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.
Debian
Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.
Kali Linux
It is a Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at advanced Penetration Testing and Security Auditing. It contains several hundred tools which are geared towards various information security tasks, such as Penetration Testing, Security research, Computer Forensics and Reverse Engineering.
CentOS
The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.
Manjaro
It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.
See all alternatives