AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta Updates: What’s New

AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta, codenamed “Shanghai,” brings a refreshed set of packages, improved hardware support, and updated security tools over the 9.2 release. This beta gives you a preview of the stable 9.3 release, which is expected to follow the same schedule as Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9.3. Below is a detailed look at what changed, why it matters, and how to test it.

Background: What AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta Is

AlmaLinux is a free, community-owned Linux distribution built from the same source code as Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). The 9.x series is based on RHEL 9, which itself is built on upstream Fedora Linux and uses the Linux 5.14 kernel. AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta is the third minor release in the 9.x lifecycle, offering a preview of the tools and features that will appear in the stable 9.3 release. The beta is intended for testing and development, not for production use, but it gives you a head start on evaluating new capabilities and verifying that your software still works.

Key Updates in AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta

The most visible change is a refreshed set of software packages. The kernel remains version 5.14, but it includes backported fixes and new hardware enablement that RHEL 9.3 also carries. You’ll see updated versions of many core tools, including:

• Compiler toolset: GCC 11.4.1, with support for newer C++ standards and improved optimizations.
• Python: Python 3.9.18, which includes security and bug fixes.
• OpenSSL: OpenSSL 3.0.10, addressing several vulnerabilities and adding new algorithms.
• Web server: Apache HTTP Server 2.4.57, with fixes for mod_ssl and improved HTTP/2 handling.
• Database: MariaDB 10.5.22 and PostgreSQL 13.12, both with maintenance updates.
• Systemd: Systemd 252, which brings faster boot times and better service management.

In addition, the beta includes updated versions of many desktop and server applications, such as GNOME 40, LibreOffice 7.1, and Samba 4.18. The exact package versions can be checked in the release notes, but the overall theme is stability and security rather than a major feature overhaul.

How the Beta Relates to RHEL 9.3

AlmaLinux is a “bug-for-bug compatible” clone of RHEL, meaning it aims to be a drop-in replacement. The 9.3 Beta is built from the same source code that Red Hat uses for RHEL 9.3 Beta, with only branding and logo differences. This means you can test your applications on AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta and be confident they will work on RHEL 9.3 when it is released. The main difference is that AlmaLinux is free to use and does not require a subscription, while RHEL requires a paid subscription for production use. For organizations that want a stable, enterprise-grade OS without the licensing cost, AlmaLinux is a popular choice.

How to Get and Test AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta

You can download the beta ISO from the AlmaLinux website. There are several options:

• Minimal ISO: A small image for installing a basic system without a graphical interface.
• DVD ISO: A full image that includes the GNOME desktop and a wide range of packages.
• Live ISO: A bootable image that lets you try AlmaLinux without installing it.
• Cloud images: Pre-built images for AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and OpenStack.

To test the beta, install it on a virtual machine or a spare physical machine. Do not use it on a production server. After installation, you can update the system with dnf update to get the latest beta packages. The beta repository is enabled by default, so you’ll get updates as they are published.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Because it is a beta, you may encounter bugs. The most common issues reported in previous AlmaLinux betas are:

• Driver problems: Newer kernels can break support for older hardware, especially Wi-Fi and graphics cards. If you have an issue, try using a different driver or check the release notes for known issues.
• Third-party software: Some proprietary software, like certain VPN clients or virtualization tools, may not work immediately with a new kernel. Check with the vendor for compatibility.
• Upgrade path: If you are upgrading from 9.2 to the 9.3 beta, use dnf system-upgrade or wait for the stable release. The beta is not recommended for production upgrades.

Always back up your data before testing a beta. If you find a bug, report it on the AlmaLinux bug tracker so it can be fixed before the stable release.

Security and Stability Improvements

AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta includes several security enhancements. The updated OpenSSL and systemd packages fix known vulnerabilities. The kernel includes mitigations for new speculative execution attacks. Also, the beta includes the latest SELinux policy updates, which help protect against unauthorized access. For administrators, the beta adds new tools like oscap for OpenSCAP compliance scanning and updated firewalld rules. These changes make the system more secure out of the box, but always review your own security policies before deploying.

Comparison with Other RHEL Clones

AlmaLinux is not the only RHEL clone. Rocky Linux and Oracle Linux are also popular. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Rocky Linux: Similar to AlmaLinux, but led by a different community. Rocky also provides a free RHEL clone, but its release schedule may lag slightly behind AlmaLinux.
• Oracle Linux: Offers a free RHEL-compatible OS, but with a stronger focus on Oracle’s own hardware and software. It also has a paid support option.

AlmaLinux stands out because of its strong community governance and its commitment to remaining free and open. It is also backed by the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, which ensures long-term stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AlmaLinux 9.3 Beta safe for production? No. Beta releases are for testing only. They may contain bugs that could cause data loss or downtime. Always wait for the stable release for production use.

Can I upgrade from AlmaLinux 9.2 to 9.3 Beta? Yes, but it is not recommended. You can use dnf system-upgrade to upgrade, but you may encounter issues. It is better to install the beta fresh on a test machine.

Will AlmaLinux 9.3 be supported for a long time? Yes. AlmaLinux 9 will be supported until 2032, following the RHEL lifecycle. The 9.3 release will receive updates for several years.

How often does AlmaLinux release new versions? AlmaLinux follows RHEL’s schedule, with minor releases about every six months. Major releases (like 9.0) come out every two to three years.

Do I need a subscription to use AlmaLinux? No. AlmaLinux is completely free and does not require a subscription. You can use it for any purpose, including commercial use.

What is the difference between AlmaLinux and CentOS? CentOS Stream is a rolling release that sits between Fedora and RHEL. AlmaLinux is a stable clone of RHEL, so it is more similar to the old CentOS Linux. AlmaLinux is a better choice for production environments that need stability.

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