Migrate from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux
If you’re a CentOS 8 user, you may have heard that CentOS 8 will reach end-of-life (EOL) at the end of 2021. As a result, users may be looking to migrate to another Linux distribution to continue receiving support and updates. One popular alternative is AlmaLinux, a community-driven and enterprise-grade Linux distribution that was created as a drop-in replacement for CentOS 8. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to migrate from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux.
Step 1: Back up your data
Before you begin the migration process, it’s essential to back up your data to avoid any loss of critical information. You can use any backup tool you’re comfortable with, or you can copy the data to an external drive or cloud storage.
Step 2: Check system requirements
Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for AlmaLinux installation. AlmaLinux requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of storage space, along with a 64-bit x86_64 compatible processor. You can check your system’s specifications by running the following command in the terminal:
$ lscpu
Step 3: Update your CentOS 8 system
Before starting the migration, it’s best to ensure that your CentOS 8 system is up-to-date. Run the following command in the terminal:
$ sudo dnf update
Step 4: Add AlmaLinux repository
To migrate to AlmaLinux, you need to add the AlmaLinux repository to your CentOS 8 system. Run the following command to download the AlmaLinux repository:
$ sudo rpm -Uvh https://repo.almalinux.org/almalinux/8.4/almalinux-release-8.4-2.el8.x86_64.rpm
Step 5: Install the AlmaLinux release package
Next, install the AlmaLinux release package on your system by running the following command:
$ sudo dnf -y install almalinux-release
This command will download and install the necessary packages required for the AlmaLinux migration.
Step 6: Update your system again
After installing the AlmaLinux release package, you need to update your system once again. Run the following command in the terminal:
$ sudo dnf -y update
This command will update your system to the latest AL packages.
Step 7: Remove CentOS 8 packages
To avoid any conflicts during the migration, it’s best to remove all the CentOS 8 packages from your system. Run the following command in the terminal:
$ sudo dnf -y remove centos-linux-repos centos-linux-release centos-gpg-keys centos-linux-repos
This command will remove the CentOS 8 repository and release packages from your system.
Step 8: Install AlmaLinux packages
Finally, install the AL packages on your system by running the following command:
$ sudo dnf -y swap centos-linux-repos almalinux-8-base
This command will replace the CentOS 8 repository with the AL 8 base repository.
Step 9: Reboot your system
After the installation is complete, it’s best to reboot your system to ensure that all the changes take effect. Run the following command in the terminal:
$ sudo reboot
Once your system reboots, you’ll be running AL.
Conclusion
Migrating from CentOS 8 to AL is a straightforward process that involves adding the AL repository, installing the AL release package, removing the CentOS 8 packages, and installing the AlmaLinux packages. Remember to back up your data and ensure that your system meets the minimum
requirements for AlmaLinux installation. After the migration, it’s best to check that all your applications and services are working correctly. It’s also essential to note that some CentOS-specific packages may not be available in AL, so you may need to find suitable alternatives or build the packages from source.
In summary, if you’re looking to migrate from CentOS 8, AL is a viable option that provides long-term support and enterprise-grade features. By following the steps outlined above, you can smoothly transition from CentOS 8 to AlmaLinux without much hassle.
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