Which CentOS ISO Should You Download in 2023?

Choosing the right CentOS ISO can be confusing with the recent changes to the distribution. This guide will help you understand the differences between CentOS Stream, CentOS Linux, and alternatives like Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. By the end, you'll know exactly which CentOS ISO to download for your specific use case.

CentOS Project, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux Latest versions 4.7 GB (DVD ISO)

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Various CentOS ISOs - Safe & Fast Download

4.7 GB (DVD ISO) File Size
Latest versions Version
Free License

About This Software

CentOS has undergone significant changes that impact which ISO you should download. Originally, CentOS Linux was a community-supported rebuild of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). However, CentOS shifted to CentOS Stream, which sits between RHEL and Fedora in the development cycle. For production environments, many users now prefer alternatives like Rocky Linux or AlmaLinux that maintain the original CentOS philosophy of being a free rebuild of RHEL. Your choice depends on whether you need the latest features (CentOS Stream), stability (Rocky/AlmaLinux), or specific support (RHEL).

Key Features

1
CentOS Stream - Latest RHEL features with rolling updates
2
Rocky Linux - Stable RHEL clone with long-term support
3
AlmaLinux - Enterprise-ready RHEL alternative with community backing
4
Minimal ISO options for server deployments
5
Full desktop ISOs for development environments

How to Use

Visit the official website of your chosen distribution, navigate to the downloads section, select your architecture (x86_64, aarch64, etc.), and choose between minimal, DVD, or cloud image ISOs based on your installation method and bandwidth constraints.

Conclusion

Download the right CentOS ISO today by following our recommendations. Make an informed choice based on your specific needs and get started with your Linux installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to CentOS Linux?

CentOS Linux was discontinued in December 2021, with CentOS shifting focus to CentOS Stream, which is now the primary CentOS offering.

Is CentOS Stream the same as CentOS Linux?

No, CentOS Stream is a rolling release that sits between Fedora and RHEL in the development cycle, while CentOS Linux was a stable rebuild of RHEL.

What are the best CentOS alternatives?

Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux are the most popular CentOS alternatives, both being free rebuilds of RHEL with long-term support.