Rocky Linux from CIQ 9.5 Release Notes¶

Release Date: November 2024
Upstream Base: Rocky Linux 9.5 / RHEL 9.5

Overview¶

Rocky Linux from CIQ 9.5 delivers the latest stable enterprise Linux features with CIQ's commercial guarantees, service level objectives, and supply chain validation. This release maintains full compatibility with upstream Enterprise Linux while providing enhanced security, reliability, and support.

What's New in RLC 9.5¶

CIQ Enterprise Features¶

Enhanced Supply Chain Validation: Improved package verification and signing process
Optimized Repository Performance: Faster package downloads with new mirror infrastructure
Extended SLO Coverage: Security patches delivered within 30 days guarantee
Improved Depot Integration: Streamlined authentication and repository management

Security Enhancements¶

Latest CVE Patches: All critical and important security vulnerabilities addressed
OpenSSL 3.0.7: Updated cryptographic libraries with latest security fixes
OpenSSH 8.7p1: Enhanced secure shell with improved security features
SELinux Improvements: Performance optimizations and policy updates

System Updates¶

Kernel: Updated to latest 5.14.x stable kernel with security patches
GCC 11.4: Latest stable compiler with security and performance improvements
Systemd: Enhanced service management with reliability improvements
NetworkManager: Improved network configuration and management

Platform Support¶

Architecture Support¶

x86_64-v2: Full support for modern x86_64 processors
ARM64 (aarch64): Complete support for ARM-based systems
Hardware Requirements: Requires modern CPU architectures

Cloud Platform Availability¶

AWS Marketplace: Available in all AWS regions
Azure Marketplace: Full Azure integration with Windows Admin Center support
Google Cloud Platform: Available in GCP Marketplace
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure: OCI Marketplace availability

Programming and Development¶

Language Runtime Updates¶

Python 3.9.18: Latest stable Python with security fixes
Node.js 16.20.2: Updated JavaScript runtime
PHP 8.0.30: Web development language updates
Java: OpenJDK 11, 17, and 21 available
Go 1.20.12: Updated Go compiler and runtime

Development Tools¶

GCC Toolset 13: Modern C/C++ development tools
LLVM 15.0.7: Updated compiler infrastructure
Rust 1.75: Modern systems programming language
Container Tools: Podman 4.6, Buildah 1.32, Skopeo 1.13

Networking and Infrastructure¶

Network Stack Updates¶

nftables: Modern packet filtering framework (iptables replacement)
MultiPath TCP: Enhanced network performance for modern applications
NetworkManager 1.44: Improved network configuration management
Firewalld 2.1: Enhanced firewall management

Virtualization¶

QEMU 8.1: Latest virtualization platform with security updates
libvirt 9.5: Virtual machine management improvements
Podman 4.6: Rootless container support with enhanced security

Installation and Deployment¶

Installation Improvements¶

Anaconda Installer: Enhanced user experience and hardware detection
Live Image Support: Improved live environment for testing and rescue
Automated Installation: Enhanced kickstart and cloud-init support

Migration Support¶

Migration Tools: Simplified migration from CentOS and other distributions
Repository Conversion: Automated tools for switching to RLC repositories
Configuration Preservation: Maintain existing system configurations during migration

Enterprise Integration¶

Directory Services¶

Active Directory Integration: Enhanced Samba and SSSD support
LDAP Support: Improved OpenLDAP and 389 Directory Server integration
Kerberos: Updated authentication infrastructure

Monitoring and Management¶

Cockpit 300: Web-based administration interface improvements
Rsyslog 8.2212: Enhanced logging capabilities
Audit Framework: Improved security auditing and compliance

Storage and File Systems¶

File System Support¶

XFS: Default file system with performance improvements
Ext4: Enhanced reliability and performance
Btrfs: Technology preview with snapshot support
NFS 4.2: Latest network file system protocol support

Storage Management¶

LVM2: Logical volume management improvements
Stratis 3.6: Advanced storage management capabilities
Device Mapper: Enhanced block device management

Known Issues¶

Installation¶

Some older hardware may require BIOS/UEFI updates for proper installation
Legacy network adapter drivers may need manual installation

Compatibility¶

Applications compiled for older glibc versions may need recompilation
Some third-party kernel modules may require updates

Upgrade Information¶

Supported Upgrade Paths¶

RLC 9.4 → 9.5: In-place upgrade supported
Rocky Linux 9.x → RLC 9.5: Migration tools available
CentOS 8 → RLC 9.5: Migration guide available

Upgrade Procedure¶

# Update to latest RLC 9.5
sudo dnf update

# Verify system after update
sudo dnf check
systemctl --failed

Getting Support¶

CIQ Support Channels¶

Enterprise Support: Available for commercial customers
Documentation: Comprehensive guides and troubleshooting
Community: Access to Rocky Linux community resources
Professional Services: Migration and deployment assistance

Reporting Issues¶

Bug Reports: Submit issues through CIQ support channels
Security Issues: Report security vulnerabilities to security@ciq.com
Feature Requests: Contact CIQ sales for enterprise feature requests

Additional Resources¶

Installation Guide: Detailed Installation Guide
Migration Guide: Migration Guide
Security Guide: Security Guide
Cloud Deployment: Cloud Deployment Guides

For complete technical documentation and support, visit the CIQ documentation portal or contact CIQ support.