Parrot OS vs Rocky Linux

Parrot OS and Rocky Linux represent two distinct paths in the Linux world: one focused on security and privacy, the other on enterprise-level stability. This page explores their strengths, use cases, and which might be better suited to your needs.

Parrot Os Icon

Parrot OS

Security and Privacy

  • Strong focus on security
  • Comes with a range of pre-installed security tools
  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Offers both Home and Security editions
  • May be overwhelming for beginners
  • Less suitable for general-purpose use
Best for Cybersecurity professionals
Rocky Linux Icon

Rocky Linux

Enterprise Stability

  • Enterprise-grade stability
  • Binary compatibility with RHEL
  • Strong community support
  • Suitable for server environments
  • Not as cutting-edge as some desktop-focused distros
  • May require more technical knowledge for configuration
Best for Enterprise servers

TL;DR: Pick Parrot OS for cybersecurity tasks. Choose Rocky Linux for enterprise servers.

Side-by-side comparison

How they stack up across key categories.

Ease of use

OS

Parrot OS can be challenging for newcomers due to its focus on security tools and configurations.

Linux

Rocky Linux, while stable, may require users to have some technical knowledge, especially for server setups.

Desktop feel

OS

Parrot OS offers a straightforward, minimalistic desktop environment suitable for security-focused tasks.

Linux

Rocky Linux is not designed with a desktop user in mind, focusing more on server use cases.

Stability

OS

Parrot OS is stable but may prioritize updates for security tools.

Linux

Rocky Linux emphasizes long-term stability, mirroring RHEL's release cycle.

Updates

OS

Updates in Parrot OS are frequent, especially for security toolchains.

Linux

Rocky Linux follows a predictable, enterprise-focused update schedule.

Software access

OS

Parrot OS provides access to a wide range of security tools, though general software may be limited.

Linux

Rocky Linux offers access to enterprise-grade software repositories compatible with RHEL.

Privacy

OS

Privacy is a core focus of Parrot OS, with numerous privacy tools integrated.

Linux

Rocky Linux provides standard privacy features but does not focus specifically on privacy beyond enterprise needs.

Community & docs

OS

Parrot OS has a strong, niche community focused on security and privacy.

Linux

Rocky Linux benefits from a large community and extensive documentation due to its RHEL compatibility.

Gaming

OS

Parrot OS is not optimized for gaming, focusing instead on security.

Linux

Rocky Linux can run games but is not optimized for gaming experiences.

Pros & cons summary

Parrot OS

Pros

  • Parrot OS is designed with security in mind, making it an excellent choice for cybersecurity professionals.
  • The distro includes a wide range of pre-installed tools for penetration testing, digital forensics, and cryptography.
  • Parrot OS is known for being lightweight, providing an efficient performance even on older hardware.
  • It offers different editions tailored for security experts and home users, providing flexibility based on user needs.
  • The system's emphasis on privacy is evident in its default configurations and available features.

Cons

  • The extensive array of security tools and configurations may be intimidating for users unfamiliar with such environments.
  • Parrot OS's focus on security can sometimes limit its functionality for everyday computing tasks.
  • Some users may find the software repository not as extensive as other general-purpose distributions.

Rocky Linux

Pros

  • Rocky Linux is known for its enterprise-grade stability, making it a reliable choice for server environments.
  • It offers binary compatibility with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring a smooth transition for users and applications.
  • The distribution has strong community support, providing ample resources for troubleshooting and learning.
  • Rocky Linux is structured to maintain long-term support and reliability, crucial for business and production environments.
  • Its focus on stability and compatibility makes it a secure choice for enterprises looking to avoid frequent changes.

Cons

  • Rocky Linux may not provide the latest software versions, focusing instead on stability and security.
  • The distribution may involve a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with enterprise Linux environments.
  • Users seeking a more desktop-oriented experience may need to make additional configurations to suit their needs.

Which should you pick?

Quick recommendations for common scenarios.

💻

Switching from Windows

Pick: Parrot OS

Offers a unique focus on security tools, great for users interested in cybersecurity.

📚

Following Linux tutorials

Pick: Either

Both offer robust environments but cater to different aspects: security and enterprise stability.

🖥️

Older Hardware

Pick: Parrot OS

Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for older systems.

🎮

Gaming

Pick: Either

Neither is optimized for gaming, but both can run games with additional setup.

💼

Work/Professional Use

Pick: Rocky Linux

Ideal for enterprise environments requiring stability and RHEL compatibility.

🖥️

Simple Daily Desktop

Pick: Either

While neither is specifically designed for this, they can both be configured for daily use.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions.

Are Parrot OS and Rocky Linux related?

No, they serve different purposes—Parrot OS focuses on security, while Rocky Linux aims for enterprise stability.

Which is more beginner-friendly?

Parrot OS might be daunting for beginners due to its security focus, while Rocky Linux requires some technical knowledge for server management.

How do they compare in terms of performance?

Parrot OS is lightweight and performs well on older hardware, while Rocky Linux prioritizes stability over cutting-edge performance.

Can I try them without installing?

Yes, both Parrot OS and Rocky Linux offer live versions that can be run from a USB stick without installation.

What about software compatibility?

Parrot OS excels in security tool compatibility, while Rocky Linux is compatible with enterprise software due to its RHEL roots.

How is hardware support?

Both distros support a wide range of hardware, but specific drivers may depend on their respective community support.

What are their release cycles like?

Parrot OS has frequent updates focused on security, whereas Rocky Linux follows a stable, enterprise-level release cycle akin to RHEL.

Can I switch between them easily?

Switching involves reinstalling the OS, as they cater to different purposes and may require different configurations.

Compare another pair?

Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.