Linux Kernel vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Linux Kernel is an open-source operating system kernel that acts as the core component of various Linux distributions. On the other hand, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a commercial Linux distribution built on top of the Linux Kernel. While they share similarities, there are key differences between Linux Kernel and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
1. Kernel Development and Support:
The Linux Kernel is developed and maintained by the open-source community, with contributions from various individuals and companies. It follows a rapid development cycle, with frequent updates and releases. On the other hand, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is managed and supported by Red Hat, a commercial company. It undergoes a more rigorous testing and certification process to ensure stability and reliability.
2. Long-Term Support (LTS):
The Linux Kernel provides Long-Term Support (LTS) versions, which guarantee a stable kernel for a specified period. These LTS versions receive bug fixes, security patches, and other updates for an extended period, usually around 2-6 years. In contrast, Red Hat Enterprise Linux offers extended support and maintenance for a minimum of 10 years, ensuring a stable and reliable platform for enterprise applications.
3. Licensing and Distribution:
The Linux Kernel is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the source code. It is freely available and can be downloaded from various sources. On the other hand, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercial product that requires a subscription for access to updates, support, and other enterprise features. It is distributed and licensed by Red Hat.
4. Package Management:
The Linux Kernel is primarily responsible for providing the core functionality of an operating system, and it does not include package management tools by default. However, many Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, provide package management systems like RPM (Red Hat Package Manager) for easy installation, update, and removal of software packages.
5. Enterprise Features and Support:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux is specifically designed for enterprise environments, providing a wide range of features and capabilities tailored to meet the needs of businesses. It offers advanced security features, enterprise-grade support, system management tools, and extensive application support. The Linux Kernel, being the core component, does not inherently provide these enterprise-specific features and support.
6. Certification and Compatibility:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux undergoes extensive certification and compatibility testing with hardware, software, and third-party applications. This ensures that it can run reliably on a wide range of systems and maintain compatibility with various industry standards. The Linux Kernel, being more focused on providing a generic and versatile operating system base, may not have the same level of certification and compatibility as Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
In Summary, Linux Kernel and Red Hat Enterprise Linux differ in their development and support model, LTS and long-term support period, licensing, package management, availability of enterprise features and support, as well as certification and compatibility.
