Bringing bootc to AlmaLinux
almalinux.org
bootc is a new deployment method that powers Image mode for RHEL and HeliumOS, a new Linux distribution. We are excited to announce that AlmaLinux now offers bootc images for Intel/AMD(x86_64) and ARM64(AArch4). How did this start? My goal as developer of HeliumOS is to produce a Linux-based desktop operating system that is user-friendly, stable, and reliable. The first foray towards this goal used a Debian base, however this had some issues: Debian has 3-5 years of support. Though stable relative to most Linux distributions, I wanted more stability. An unexpected interruption during a traditional Linux package manager update can render the system un-bootable or otherwise broken. 2 months ago, I learned of Image mode for RHEL, a new method of deploying RHEL that used OCI images for updates. Rebasing on Enterprise Linux and using bootc, the technology behind Image mode for RHEL would solve both of the issues that I found with Debian. After various experiments, HeliumOS announced an Alpha release based on CentOS Stream.

Old post but I think it is still relevant. Fedora also supports this but Fedora doesn’t have a LTS support window

  • warmaster@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    5 days ago

    So, like Universal Blue but for Alma? I think this is great, but how are they planning to let users install stuff?

    • notanapple@lemm.eeEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      There is also bluefin lts (from the same ppl) if someone wants a more actively supported bootc system.

      • warmaster@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        Yeah, Bluefin is a family of distros. The most well known is Bazzite, but there are others like Aurora, Bluefin and more.

    • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipOPEnglish
      11·
      5 days ago

      Not currently as it requires that distros build for bootc.

      There is a unofficial Rocky Linux bootc container but I would be mindful using it as it isn’t something that’s tested. Rocky Linux is focused on being an exact RHEL clone with delayed updates and changes to align release timing. Alma Linux is striving to be close enough to have good compatibly but they branch out more and have been known to deliver faster security updates.