Slayhuds' Red Hat & Fedora Guide

Master the Red Hat Ecosystem - From Enterprise to Cutting Edge

📝 Note from Slayhuds: A comprehensive guide to both RHEL and Fedora Linux distributions!

📊 The Red Hat Ecosystem Overview

The Red Hat family includes some of the most important Linux distributions in the world. Whether you need enterprise stability or cutting-edge features, there's a Red Hat-based distro for you!

🎩 Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

The gold standard for enterprise Linux. Rock-solid stability, long-term support, and certified for business-critical applications.

🎨 Fedora Linux

The innovative upstream for RHEL. Features cutting-edge technology and serves as a proving ground for future enterprise features.

🔄 The Connection

Fedora innovations eventually make their way into RHEL, creating a perfect development-to-production pipeline.

⬇️ Download Links

Get started with the Red Hat ecosystem by downloading the distribution that best fits your needs:

🎩 Download RHEL
(Free Developer License) 🎨 Download Fedora
(Latest Version)
💡 Note: RHEL offers a free developer subscription that includes a license for up to 16 systems for development use!

🎩 Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)

What is RHEL?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the world's leading enterprise Linux platform, trusted by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. It provides a stable, secure, and supported foundation for enterprise applications.

Key Features

RHEL Versions

Version Release Date End of Support Key Features
RHEL 9 May 2022 May 2032 Latest kernel, enhanced security, container tools
RHEL 8 May 2019 May 2029 Application Streams, Podman, System Roles
RHEL 7 June 2014 June 2024 (Extended to 2028) Systemd, XFS default, Docker support

Getting RHEL for Free

  1. Visit developers.redhat.com
  2. Create a free Red Hat account
  3. Register for the Developer Subscription
  4. Download RHEL and get your subscription
  5. Activate using: subscription-manager register

🎨 Fedora Linux

What is Fedora?

Fedora is a cutting-edge, community-driven Linux distribution sponsored by Red Hat. It serves as the upstream source for RHEL and showcases the latest in open-source innovation.

Key Features

Fedora Editions

💻 Fedora Workstation

Perfect for developers and desktop users with GNOME desktop

🖥️ Fedora Server

Powerful, flexible OS for modern data centers

🎯 Fedora Spins

Alternative desktops: KDE, XFCE, MATE, and more

Why Choose Fedora?

⚖️ RHEL vs Fedora Comparison

Aspect RHEL Fedora
Target Audience Enterprises, Production Developers, Enthusiasts
Release Cycle ~3 years ~6 months
Support Period 10 years ~13 months
Stability Maximum (tested extensively) Good (but cutting-edge)
Software Versions Stable, older Latest, newest
Cost Subscription (free for developers) Completely free
Professional Support Yes (Red Hat) Community only
Package Manager YUM/DNF DNF
Best For Production servers, critical apps Development, testing, desktop
💡 Pro Tip: Develop on Fedora, deploy on RHEL! This gives you the best of both worlds.

💿 Installation Guides

Installing RHEL

  1. Download ISO: Get from Red Hat Developer Portal
  2. Create bootable USB: Use Rufus (Windows) or dd (Linux)
  3. Boot from USB: Select USB in BIOS/UEFI
  4. Follow Anaconda installer: Select language, timezone, disk
  5. Register system: Use your Red Hat account
  6. Configure repos: Enable additional repositories as needed

Installing Fedora

  1. Download Fedora Media Writer: Available for all platforms
  2. Select edition: Choose Workstation, Server, or Spin
  3. Create USB: Media Writer handles everything
  4. Boot and install: Modern, user-friendly installer
  5. First boot: Complete initial setup wizard
⚠️ Important: Always backup your data before installing any operating system!

📦 Essential Commands for Both Systems

Package Management

sudo dnf update                    # Update all packages
sudo dnf install package-name      # Install a package
sudo dnf remove package-name       # Remove a package
sudo dnf search keyword            # Search for packages
sudo dnf info package-name        # Get package info

RHEL-Specific: Subscription Management

subscription-manager register                          # Register system
subscription-manager list --available                  # List available subscriptions
subscription-manager attach --auto                     # Auto-attach subscription
subscription-manager repos --list                      # List repositories
subscription-manager repos --enable=repo-id          # Enable repository

System Information

cat /etc/redhat-release            # Check version
hostnamectl                        # System information
systemctl status                   # System status
journalctl -xe                     # View system logs

SELinux Management (Both Systems)

getenforce                         # Check SELinux status
sudo setenforce 0                  # Set to permissive (temporary)
sudo setenforce 1                  # Set to enforcing (temporary)
sudo setsebool -P boolean_name on  # Set SELinux boolean

Firewall Management

sudo firewall-cmd --list-all                          # List firewall rules
sudo firewall-cmd --add-service=http --permanent      # Add service
sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=8080/tcp --permanent     # Add port
sudo firewall-cmd --reload                            # Reload firewall

🎓 Which Should You Choose?

Choose RHEL if you:

  • Need maximum stability and reliability
  • Require professional support
  • Run production workloads
  • Need long-term support (10 years)
  • Require certified software/hardware
  • Work in enterprise environments

Choose Fedora if you:

  • Want the latest software and features
  • Develop software or learn Linux
  • Enjoy experimenting with new technology
  • Don't mind frequent updates
  • Want a great desktop experience
  • Contribute to open source
🔄 Best Practice: Many organizations use Fedora for development and testing, then deploy to RHEL for production. This ensures compatibility while leveraging both platforms' strengths!

📚 Additional Resources

Official Documentation

Community Resources

Training & Certification