AlmaLinux just got a big update. The new version, 9.6, is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and is free to use. It’s like a twin of RHEL, but without the cost. This new version has many improvements, including better performance, security, and support for modern development tools.
What’s new in AlmaLinux 9.6?
The update has a codename: “Sage Margay”. It was released on May 20, 2025. This version has many new features, including updates to virtualization and containers. It’s a great alternative to RHEL for people who want a free and stable system.
Tool updates
Here are some of the new tools and packages:
- GCC 11.5
- LLVM 19.1.7
- Go 1.23.6
- Rust 1.84.1
For servers and frameworks:
- Apache HTTP Server 2.4.62
- Node.js 22
- PHP 8.3
- MySQL 8.4
- nginx 1.26
- Maven 3.9
And for debugging and monitoring:
- elfutils 0.192
- Valgrind 3.24.0
- SystemTap 5.2
- PCP 6.3.2
Security and networking
The update also includes:
- New SELinux policies (38.1.53)
- SSSD updated to 2.9.6
- NetworkManager 1.52.0
- iproute 6.11.0
And for containers and virtualization:
- Podman 5.4.0
- Buildah 1.39.4
- Libvirt 10.10.0
- QEMU-KVM 9.1.0
You can find more info on the AlmaLinux website. We’ll show you how to install and set up this powerful system soon. Stay tuned!