Operating Systems
Enterprise Linux Base
CentOS
A free Linux operating system for servers, now offered as CentOS Stream rather than CentOS Linux.
- Category
- Operating Systems
- Stack role
- Infrastructure
- Tool type
- Open Source
- Best suited for
- Legacy Server Reviews
- Hosting model
- Self-Hosted
- Software price
- Free
- Made by
- The CentOS Project
- First released
- 2004
Our rating, from hands-on experience building client projects. Not a public review average.
What is CentOS?
CentOS, in plain English.
CentOS is a free Linux operating system used on servers, the always-on computers that hold websites and applications. For years the classic CentOS Linux was a favorite because it tracked Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a paid business system. That version has now been retired, and it's worth knowing before you plan around it.
CentOS Linux 8 reached end of life on December 31, 2021, and the project moved to CentOS Stream. Stream is maintained by the Red Hat Enterprise Linux team and acts as a preview of the next minor release of that system, with each major version supported for five years.
If a host or an older server mentions CentOS, ask which one it is. An unsupported CentOS Linux server no longer receives security updates, and moving to a supported system is a job worth scheduling before it becomes urgent.
In our stack
Why we use CentOS.
CentOS is in our toolbox mostly so we can recognise it. When we meet an older CentOS server, we help the owner decide whether to move it to a supported system such as Ubuntu or Debian. It's not what we choose for new projects.
Enterprise Lineage
Stream follows Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a system built for business servers.
No License Fee
CentOS is free to use, unlike the paid Red Hat system it tracks.
Clear Upgrade Path
We can spot an outdated server and plan a safe move before it's a risk.
Related tools
Works well with CentOS.
Build with us