Centos vs Photon: What are the differences?

Introduction

This Markdown code presents the key differences between CentOS and Photon operating systems. CentOS is a Linux distribution derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), while Photon OS is a lightweight Linux distribution developed by VMware. Below are the key differences between these two operating systems.

1. Package Management: CentOS uses the yum package manager, which allows administrators to easily install, update, and manage software packages using repositories. On the other hand, Photon OS utilizes the rpm package manager, which is also widely used in many Linux distributions, including RHEL.

2. Focus and Purpose: CentOS is designed to be a stable platform suitable for server deployments, offering long-term support and security updates. In contrast, Photon OS is specifically tailored for use as a minimal host operating system for running containers and virtual machines, with emphasis on performance and efficiency.

3. Systemd Integration: CentOS uses the systemd init system, which helps manage the system startup process and provides various features like service management and logging. Photon OS also utilizes systemd, but it has a minimal and optimized implementation with specific focus on container-based environments.

4. Security Enhancements: While both CentOS and Photon OS prioritize security, CentOS benefits from the extensive security focus and support provided by the Red Hat community. This includes rigorous vulnerability testing, timely security patches, and integration with the Red Hat ecosystem. Photon OS, being developed by VMware, incorporates security enhancements specifically targeted at virtualized and containerized environments.

5. Kernel and Resource Optimization: CentOS typically ships with a general-purpose Linux kernel that is optimized for a wide range of use cases. In contrast, Photon OS focuses on reducing resource utilization and optimizing performance within virtualized environments by employing a kernel optimized for VMware hypervisors and container runtimes.

6. Release Cycle and Support: CentOS follows a long-term support model with stable releases and multiple years of support for each major version. Photon OS, on the other hand, adheres to a rolling release model, providing frequent updates and new features. It is worth noting that the long-term support for CentOS 8 has changed as of December 2020, shifting towards CentOS Stream, which has a more continuous release cycle.

In summary, CentOS is a versatile server-focused distribution known for its stability and long-term support, while Photon OS is a lightweight operating system specifically designed for virtualized environments and container deployments, prioritizing performance and efficiency.