# Oracle Linux

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q46094](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46094)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_Linux)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/oracle-linux

## Summary
Oracle Linux is a Linux distribution developed by Oracle Corporation, first released on October 26, 2006. It is a derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and is optimized for Oracle's hardware and software ecosystem, particularly the Oracle Exadata platform. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and includes proprietary extensions for enhanced performance and security.

## Key Facts
- **First released**: October 26, 2006
- **Developer**: Oracle Corporation
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL)
- **Based on**: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
- **Optimized for**: Oracle Exadata (a specialized computing platform for Oracle Database)
- **Package management**: Uses RPM Package Manager
- **Update method**: Yellowdog Updater
- **Latest stable version**: Oracle Linux 9.2 (released May 25, 2023)
- **Platforms supported**: IA-32, x86-64, SPARC, ARM architecture
- **Website**: [oracle.com/linux](https://www.oracle.com/linux/)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Oracle Linux used for?
A: Oracle Linux is primarily used as a server operating system, optimized for Oracle's hardware and software, particularly the Oracle Exadata platform. It is designed for high-performance computing, database workloads, and enterprise environments.

### Q: Is Oracle Linux free to use?
A: Yes, Oracle Linux is free to download and use, but it includes proprietary extensions and support services that may require a paid subscription for full access.

### Q: How does Oracle Linux differ from Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?
A: Oracle Linux is a derivative of RHEL but includes additional proprietary components and optimizations tailored for Oracle's hardware and software ecosystem. It is not a direct fork but a modified version of RHEL.

### Q: What hardware is Oracle Linux optimized for?
A: Oracle Linux is optimized for Oracle's Exadata platform, a specialized computing system designed to run the Oracle Database efficiently.

### Q: How is Oracle Linux updated?
A: Oracle Linux uses the Yellowdog Updater (YUM) for package management and updates, similar to other RHEL-based distributions.

## Why It Matters
Oracle Linux plays a crucial role in enterprise computing, particularly for organizations using Oracle's database and hardware solutions. Its optimization for Oracle Exadata ensures high performance and reliability in large-scale database environments. As a derivative of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it benefits from the stability and security of RHEL while adding Oracle-specific enhancements. This makes it a preferred choice for businesses relying on Oracle's ecosystem. Additionally, its free availability with proprietary extensions provides a cost-effective solution for enterprise workloads.

## Notable For
- **Optimization for Oracle Exadata**: Designed specifically for Oracle's high-performance computing platform, ensuring seamless integration and performance.
- **Proprietary Extensions**: Includes additional features and optimizations not found in standard RHEL, enhancing functionality for Oracle's software.
- **Enterprise Focus**: Targeted at large-scale enterprise environments, particularly those using Oracle Database and Exadata.
- **Free with Proprietary Support**: Offers a free base OS with optional paid support and extensions, balancing cost and functionality.
- **Stability and Security**: Inherits the reliability and security features of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, ensuring a robust foundation for critical workloads.

## Body
### Overview
Oracle Linux is a Linux distribution developed by Oracle Corporation, first released on October 26, 2006. It is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and includes proprietary extensions optimized for Oracle's hardware and software, particularly the Oracle Exadata platform. The distribution is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) and is designed for enterprise server environments.

### Development and Release
Oracle Linux was first released in 2006 and has since undergone multiple updates. Key versions include:
- **Oracle Linux 7.5** (April 17, 2018)
- **Oracle Linux 8.0** (July 18, 2019)
- **Oracle Linux 9.2** (May 25, 2023)

Each update includes performance improvements, security enhancements, and compatibility with the latest Oracle technologies.

### Technical Specifications
- **Package Management**: Uses the RPM Package Manager (RPM) and Yellowdog Updater (YUM) for software installation and updates.
- **Supported Architectures**: IA-32, x86-64, SPARC, and ARM architecture.
- **Optimization**: Specifically tuned for Oracle Exadata, a high-performance computing platform designed for Oracle Database workloads.

### Use Cases
Oracle Linux is commonly used in:
- **Enterprise Servers**: For running mission-critical applications and databases.
- **Oracle Exadata**: As the primary operating system for Oracle's specialized hardware.
- **Cloud and Virtualization**: Supports Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and virtualization technologies.

### Comparison with RHEL
While Oracle Linux shares a common codebase with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, it includes proprietary components and optimizations tailored for Oracle's ecosystem. This makes it a preferred choice for organizations heavily invested in Oracle's software and hardware solutions.

### Availability and Support
Oracle Linux is freely available for download, but users may opt for paid support and additional proprietary features. The distribution is widely used in enterprise environments due to its stability, security, and performance optimizations.

## References

1. [2018](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/announcing-the-release-of-oracle-linux-7-update-5)
2. [2018](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/announcing-the-release-of-oracle-linux-7-update-6)
3. [2019](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/announcing-the-release-of-oracle-linux-8)
4. [2019](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/announcing-oracle-linux-8-update-1)
5. [2021](https://docs.oracle.com/en/operating-systems/oracle-linux/8/relnotes8.4/)
6. [2021](https://docs.oracle.com/en/operating-systems/oracle-linux/8/relnotes8.5/)
7. [Source](https://docs.oracle.com/en/operating-systems/oracle-linux/8/relnotes8.6/)
8. [Source](https://docs.oracle.com/en/operating-systems/oracle-linux/9/relnotes9.0/)
9. [Oracle announces general availability of latest Oracle Linux releases. 2023](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-announces-general-availability-of-latest-oracle-linux-releases)
10. [Oracle Linux 8 Update 7 simplifies operations at scale. 2022](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-8-update-7)
11. [Oracle Linux 9 Update 3 is now generally available, as expected!. 2023](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-9-update-3)
12. [Oracle Linux 8 Update 9 includes updated Linux Kernel and improved technology for developers. 2023](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-8-update-9)
13. [Oracle Linux 9 Update 4 is generally available. 2024](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-9-update-4-is-generally-available)
14. [Announcing Oracle Linux 8 Update 10 general availability. 2024](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/announcing-oracle-linux-8-update-10-general-availability)
15. [Announcing Oracle Linux 9 Update 5 General Availability. 2024](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/announcing-oracle-linux-9-update-5-general-availability)
16. [Oracle Linux 9.6 Now Generally Available. 2025](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-9-6-now-generally-available)
17. [Oracle Linux 10 Now Generally Available. 2025](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/post/oracle-linux-10-now-generally-available)
18. [Oracle Linux 9.7 Now Generally Available. 2025](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/oracle-linux-9-7-now-generally-available)
19. [Oracle Linux 10.1 Now Generally Available. 2025](https://blogs.oracle.com/linux/oracle-linux-10-1-now-generally-available)
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Oracle_Linux-MY5KVZ)