elementary OS
The elegant choice
- Beautiful and intuitive design
- Active development and community
- Privacy-focused
- Lightweight and fast
- Limited default applications
- Customization restrictions
Best for
Desktop simplicity
elementary OS vs Rocky Linux
elementary OS and Rocky Linux are two distinct Linux distributions catering to different user needs. This page explores their features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Rocky Linux
Enterprise-ready stability
- Binary compatibility with RHEL
- Long-term support
- Strong enterprise community
- Robust security features
- Geared towards server use
- Less desktop-oriented features
Best for
Enterprise environments
TL;DR: Pick elementary OS for a beautiful desktop experience. Choose Rocky Linux for enterprise-level stability.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
OS
elementary OS is designed for simplicity, making it ideal for newcomers with its intuitive interface.
Linux
Rocky Linux is straightforward for those familiar with enterprise systems but may be complex for desktop newcomers.
Desktop feel
OS
Offers a polished, macOS-like experience with its Pantheon desktop environment.
Linux
Primarily server-focused, lacking in desktop-oriented features and aesthetics.
Stability
OS
Stable with regular updates, but prioritizes new features and design.
Linux
Highly stable, with long-term support, ideal for enterprise environments.
Updates
OS
Regular updates focusing on user experience improvements and new features.
Linux
Follows a predictable release schedule with a focus on security and stability.
Software access
OS
Uses its own AppCenter for curated applications, with additional software available through Flatpak.
Linux
Access to a wide range of enterprise-grade software through EPEL and other repositories.
Privacy
OS
Strong privacy features with no data collection by default.
Linux
Focuses on security rather than privacy, typical for enterprise solutions.
Community & docs
OS
Active community with good documentation and user support forums.
Linux
Strong enterprise community with extensive documentation and professional support options.
Gaming
OS
Not specifically optimized for gaming, but supports Steam and Lutris.
Linux
Not aimed at gaming, but can run games with additional setup.
Pros & cons summary
elementary OS
Pros
- elementary OS offers a macOS-like user experience with its Pantheon desktop environment, known for its clean and consistent design.
- The community and development team are active, providing regular updates and improvements.
- Privacy is a core principle, with features like no data collection by default.
- The system is lightweight, making it suitable for both newer and older hardware.
Cons
- The default set of applications is minimal, requiring additional installations for more functionality.
- Customization options are limited compared to other distros, as the focus is on maintaining a consistent user experience.
Rocky Linux
Pros
- Rocky Linux provides binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), making it a reliable choice for businesses.
- It offers long-term support releases, ensuring stability over time.
- The enterprise community is strong, with backing from experienced developers and businesses.
- Security features are robust, designed to meet enterprise-level requirements.
Cons
- While possible to use as a desktop OS, Rocky Linux is primarily designed for server environments.
- The focus on enterprise needs means fewer desktop-centric features compared to other distributions.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: elementary OS
Its intuitive interface provides an easy transition for users familiar with modern operating systems.
Following tutorials
Pick: Either
Both have ample documentation and community support for learning.
Using older hardware
Pick: elementary OS
Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for older machines.
Gaming
Pick: elementary OS
Offers better support for gaming platforms like Steam and Lutris.
Work/professional use
Pick: Rocky Linux
Provides enterprise-level stability and support, ideal for professional environments.
Simple daily desktop
Pick: elementary OS
Designed for everyday use with a focus on ease of use and aesthetics.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
Are elementary OS and Rocky Linux related?
No, they serve different purposes. elementary OS is a desktop-focused distro, while Rocky Linux is for enterprise environments.
Which is more beginner-friendly?
elementary OS is more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive design and user-friendly interface.
How do their performance and speed compare?
elementary OS is lightweight and fast, suitable for most hardware, while Rocky Linux is optimized for stability and reliability over speed.
Can I try them before installing?
Yes, both offer live environments that allow you to test the OS without installing it.
What about software compatibility?
elementary OS supports Flatpak for additional software, while Rocky Linux is compatible with RHEL software.
How well do they support hardware?
elementary OS supports a wide range of hardware due to its lightweight nature, whereas Rocky Linux is optimized for server hardware.
What are their release cycles like?
elementary OS has a rolling release with frequent updates, while Rocky Linux follows RHEL's stable release cycle.
Is switching between them easy?
Switching involves reinstalling the OS, but both provide good documentation to ease the transition.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.