AlmaLinux vs elementary OS

AlmaLinux and Elementary OS compared on the facts that matter: release model, desktop, package management, init system, memory floor and installation size.

Side by side

AlmaLinuxelementary OS
FamilyrpmUbuntu family
Release modelVersioned releasesVersioned releases
DesktopGNOMEPantheon
Package managerDNF (RPM)APT + Flatpak (AppCenter)
Init systemsystemdsystemd
Immutable rootNoYes
Wayland by defaultYesNo
Minimum RAM1.5 GB4 GB
ISO size1.5 GB3 GB
Latest kernel—6.8
Releases archived200
Latest release—2024

What differs

Package manager

AlmaLinux ships DNF (RPM); Elementary OS ships APT + Flatpak (AppCenter).

Minimum RAM

AlmaLinux runs on less memory: 1536 MB against 4096 MB.

Shared traits

Both systems share more than they differ: the table above lines up the current facts side by side.

Verdict

Both are solid choices for their goals — the practical differences are in the table and the points above. Full range tables for each are on their distro pages.

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FAQ

Which one is easier for beginners?

Check the installer row and minimum RAM: a graphical installer with a low memory floor is the friendlier first step.

Where do the numbers come from?

From the current release snapshots of each distribution archived by the linux2u.ru team.