Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6 vs. 8: Which One Should You Choose?

 

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 6 vs. 8: Which One Should You Choose?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux distribution that is used by businesses and organizations of all sizes. RHEL is known for its stability, security, and reliability.

RHEL 6 and RHEL 8 are two of the most popular versions of RHEL. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.

In this blog post, we will compare RHEL 6 and RHEL 8 in terms of their features, performance, and security. We will also discuss the factors that you should consider when choosing between these two versions of RHEL.

Features

RHEL 6 and RHEL 8 have a number of similarities in terms of their features. Both versions include a wide range of features, such as:

• A stable and reliable kernel
• A comprehensive set of tools and utilities
• A wide range of support options

However, there are also some key differences between the two versions. RHEL 8 includes a number of new features, such as:

• The unified RPM package manager
• The CRI-O container runtime
• The OpenShift Container Platform 4
• The Red Hat Insights service
• The secure boot feature
• The SELinux confinement feature
• The AppArmor feature
• The Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) feature

Performance

RHEL 8 has been optimized for performance, and it can provide significant performance improvements over RHEL 6. For example, RHEL 8 can boot up to 20% faster than RHEL 6.

Security

RHEL 8 has also been improved in terms of security. It includes a number of new security features, such as:

• The Red Hat Insights service
• The secure boot feature
• The SELinux confinement feature
• The AppArmor feature
• The Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) feature

Factors to consider

When choosing between RHEL 6 and RHEL 8, there are a number of factors that you should consider, such as:

• Your current environment
• Your requirements for performance and security
• Your budget

If you are currently running RHEL 6 and you are happy with your current environment, then you may not need to upgrade to RHEL 8. However, if you are looking for performance improvements or new features, then RHEL 8 is a good option.

If you are on a tight budget, then RHEL 6 may be a better option for you. However, if you are willing to invest in a more secure and performant platform, then RHEL 8 is a good option.

Conclusion

RHEL 6 and RHEL 8 are both good versions of RHEL. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to consider your specific needs when choosing between them.

If you are not sure which version of RHEL is right for you, then I encourage you to contact Red Hat for assistance. Red Hat can help you assess your needs and recommend the best version of RHEL for your environment.