CentOS facts for kids

CentOS is a special kind of Linux operating system. Think of it like a different version or "flavor" of Linux. It was created to be very similar to another popular Linux system called Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

CentOS was first made because the company behind Red Hat decided to stop offering a completely free version of their software. So, a group of people decided to create CentOS, which would be free for everyone to use. Today, many people around the world help develop CentOS, and even more people use it on their computers.

CentOS is often used on servers. Servers are powerful computers that provide services to many users or other computers, like hosting websites or storing files. CentOS is a great choice for servers because it is very stable (meaning it doesn't crash often) and can be set up quickly compared to some other Linux versions like Gentoo.

What is CentOS?

CentOS stands for Community ENterprise Operating System. It's built using the free parts of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This means it works almost exactly like RHEL, but you don't have to pay for it.

Why was CentOS created?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a very strong and reliable operating system, especially for businesses. However, it costs money to use and get support. Many people wanted the same power and stability of RHEL without the cost. So, CentOS was created to fill that need, offering a free version that works just as well for many tasks.

Who uses CentOS?

Many different types of users and organizations choose CentOS.

• Businesses: Companies use CentOS for their servers because it's stable and secure.
• Web Hosts: Many websites you visit are hosted on servers running CentOS.
• Developers: Programmers often use CentOS to build and test their software.
• Students and Hobbyists: People learning about Linux or setting up their own home servers find CentOS easy to use and reliable.

Key Features of CentOS

CentOS is known for being very dependable and secure. These features make it a popular choice for many different uses.

Stability and Security

CentOS is built to be very stable. This means it rarely crashes or has unexpected problems. It also gets regular security updates, which helps protect computers from viruses and other online threats. This makes it a good choice for important systems that need to run all the time without issues.

Easy to Install and Use

While some Linux versions can be tricky to set up, CentOS is designed to be relatively easy to install. It also has a large community of users who can help if you run into problems. This makes it more accessible for people who are new to Linux.

Software Compatibility

Because CentOS is so similar to Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it can run almost all the same software. This is a big advantage for businesses that might use specific programs designed for RHEL.

CentOS and the Future

CentOS has changed over time. In 2020, it was announced that CentOS Linux would be replaced by a new version called CentOS Stream.

What is CentOS Stream?

CentOS Stream is a slightly different version of CentOS. Instead of being a copy of a finished Red Hat Enterprise Linux version, CentOS Stream is a "rolling release." This means it gets updates and new features continuously, before they appear in the main Red Hat Enterprise Linux. It's like a preview of what's coming next.

Why the change?

The change to CentOS Stream helps Red Hat get feedback on new features earlier. For users, it means CentOS Stream is always up-to-date, but it might be a little less stable than the old CentOS Linux, which was known for its rock-solid stability. Many users who need extreme stability for their servers have moved to other similar Linux versions.

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In Spanish: CentOS para niños