I am using the solution for a project that I am trying to migrate it to the cloud. My experience with the cloud is at the beginners level. I haven't tested the solution very much yet but according to the published documentation, opinions etc., I see that Oracle Linux is the closest to my needs for future migration to the cloud.
Senior Software Engineer at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Core functionality is good, stable and can install in an hour
Pros and Cons
- "Once installed, the product is good, I like it. The core of the software is really good."
- "The installation documentation needs to be improved, especially the current installation guide."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Once installed, the product is good, I like it. The core of the software is really good.
What needs improvement?
The installation documentation needs to be improved, especially the current installation guide. For example it states that it is needed to format and to store the installation ISO on a DVD, but this is not possible to do in 8.0+ versions, as the ISO files are 7-9GB - greater than 4GB and the regular DVDs do not support it. The actual 8.3 version ISO cannot be put on USB either, as a file as the setup requires the 9GB ISO also as a file, but this imposes the use of exFAT instead of FAT32, which is not supported by the system boot. Therefore I installed 8.1 from USB, which went just fine and upgraded to 8.3 afterwards with YUM.
My network card is supported by 5.3 kernel (UEK), but not supported by the 4.x RedHat kernel used too, which I had to realize by chance. My video and network cards are not completely supported in the 8.1-8.3 versions, better compatibility with up-to-date hardware is needed. When looking for compatible drivers, there was no clear statement which drivers are supported. Better directions are needed regarding hardware drivers and how to obtain them.
From my experience with Oracle, I completely rely on its documentation and its presence, completeness and reliability was one of the reasons to choose Oracle Linux. The documentation I see worked for 8.1 or 8.2 setups, but not for 8.3. It needs update - Oracle Linux 8.3 changed the installation procedure and doesn't match the documentation. My experience with Oracle is that what is written in the documentation just works. This time it did not help.
The ability to update the look-and-feel of the Desktop UI would be beneficial - the current one is pale to my taste, it is black, grey and white.
They could provide more repositories of tested software, or at least refer to them and comment on their use.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for less than two weeks.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used CentOS for an year and a half. Now I had the chance to choose my OS considering my plans for cloud development and also the resent concerns about the future support of CentOS, I chose Oracle Linux 8.3
How was the initial setup?
In the 8.1 version, the setup works fine but it is when trying to install from an USB instead of DVD as it is written in the documentation. There were issues with the 8.3 installation - see above.
The installation of version 8.1, however, was good and worked fine. Some my attempts to install compatible drivers for my hardware failed and I had to reinstall the whole OS. The third time doing the install, it only took me one hour, it was easy. I achieved some compromise between up to date video (nouveau instead of Nvidia) and wifi (iwlwifi of Intel) drives and the system now works really fine.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I decided based on my experience with CentOS, Ubuntu, Kali Linux.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Oracle Linux an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Master Consultant - RedHat & Oracle Cloud, Virtualization , Automation at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Stable with good pricing and an easy initial setup
Pros and Cons
- "The stability is excellent and the initial setup is easy."
- "Ksplice is the solution's most valuable aspect; basically, what that allows us to do is it allows us to patch and update the Kernel without a reboot."
- "It would be ideal if they added a faster implementation of the security fixes, if possible."
- "I would probably mention that fleet deployment and management could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
Our organization uses mostly Oracle engineered systems and appliances such as Oracle Exadata, PCA Private Cloud Appliance, Oracle Database Appliance, etc. Anything that is an engineering solution from Oracle, essentially. We also use Oracle Virtualization, OVM. These are on Linux.
What is most valuable?
Ksplice is the solution's most valuable aspect. Basically, what that allows us to do, is it allows us to patch and update the Kernel without a reboot. To me, that is the most outstanding feature of Oracle Linux.
The pricing is quite good.
The stability is excellent and the initial setup is easy.
What needs improvement?
Oracle Linux is downstream from Red Hat Linux. This solution has the same pain points. I would probably mention that fleet deployment and management could be improved.
It would be ideal if they added a faster implementation of the security fixes, if possible.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution since 2010.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is extremely stable. There aren't issues with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In terms of adding on features, it's pretty scalable. It's similar to Red due to the fact that it is pretty much adjusted downstream from RHEL.
We have between 50-100 users on the solution at any given time.
How are customer service and technical support?
I've used support in the past. I'd say it's pretty typical. It's not extraordinary, It's fine.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We switched from Red Hat Linux. Oftentimes I work with the appliances and Oracle engineering systems on hardware and software, which come from Oracle.
How was the initial setup?
The deployment was not complex. It was very straightforward. How long deployment takes depends on how many OS instances are being implemented. A single OS instance may take about 30 minutes or less.
What about the implementation team?
I work at an Oracle partner company and assist clients with their implementation in my role as a consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing cost is fairly small. It's pretty much in line with Red Hat licenses. I cannot recall the actual pricing, however, it's my understanding that it's just a few hundred dollars for a CPU core per year. I would just say it's fairly reasonable and low.
Oracle Linux subscriptions can actually come free if they're purchased with other products.
What other advice do I have?
We're a partner and reseller of Oracle.
I would recommend the solution, especially for the organizations that could be interested in zero downtime patch-ins. That is what the Oracle Linux case flies provide. I don't think the same feature are available in RHEL.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Buyer's Guide
Oracle Linux
October 2026
Learn what your peers think about Oracle Linux. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2026.
920,769 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Independent Consultant at Unaikui
A stable solution for servers with easy deployment
Pros and Cons
- "The product is 99.99% stable."
- "Pricing could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution on our server and premises.
What needs improvement?
Pricing could be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Linux for a few years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product is 99.99% stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very scalable. Sixty-five users are using it.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It comes with an annual subscription.
What other advice do I have?
If you were to buy Oracle Data Vault or something similar, it includes a firewall. Securing the DPU with Oracle Data Vault is great, but it costs a fortune.
In data center operations, we use distributors. As far as I know, it's distributed across sixteen sites. Besides Oracle Linux, we have other solutions such as Oracle Forms, Reports, and EDS.
I would advise knowing the number of calls and CPUs required for each application and their allocation.
Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
System Administrator at TZ Telecom Ltd.
Compatible with RedHat operating systems, stable and easy to set up
Pros and Cons
- "There is full compatibility with RedHat-based operating systems, in particular Centos, which we widely deployed before Oracle Linux (OL)."
- "For usability, the GUI options during the initial setup could be included with advanced functionalities that are now currently only possible on the CLI."
What is our primary use case?
We use Oracle Linux for Virtualization Platform, DNS Servers, Database Servers and IT infrastructure observability tools
How has it helped my organization?
Orlacle Linux has provided a redhat compatible open source OS for diverse needs. We smoothly run on Oracle OS; KVM virtualization environment, Postgesql databases, Zabbix, Grafana, Fluentd and other observability tools. We have seen a remarkable improvement as DNS queries are fast and the platforms can be easily secured with no worries of security issues arising due to unpatched systems.
What is most valuable?
There is full compatibility with RedHat-based operating systems, in particular Centos, which we widely deployed before Oracle Linux (OL).
What needs improvement?
For usability, the GUI options during the initial setup could be included with advanced OS tuning and optimization, currently as with most Linux systems that can be done via CLI.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Oracle Linux for more than three years
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Very stable
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Very scalable, especially with available support options
How are customer service and support?
Haven't used the customer service and support
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Centos, migrated after Centos switches to Centos Stream
How was the initial setup?
Straightforward setup, used the free option
What about the implementation team?
Implemented in-house
What was our ROI?
100%
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's an open source OS freerly available. Support subscription is paid
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Yes, Rocky Linux, Alma Linux and OpenSuse
What other advice do I have?
A pretty stable and secure operating system that perfectly serve as an alternative to Centos OS.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Chief Product Officer at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Fast, easy to set up in-house, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "The speed is quite good."
- "It could be more scalable."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for big packet inspection and as an operating system.
What is most valuable?
We like that we can use the C++ coding while working with it.
The speed is quite good.
It's mostly very stable.
The operating system is fine.
It's pretty simple to setup, and we can do it in-house as it is not complex.
The solution is open-source.
What needs improvement?
The network interface should be modernized. It's a bit out of date.
It could be more scalable.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've used the solution for one project. We've used it for a few months. I haven't used it for that long just yet.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable and mostly reliable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze on us.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability could be better.
We have two or three people using the solution right now and do not have plans to increase usage.
How are customer service and support?
We did not use technical support. We've never had a need to reach out. I cannot speak to how helpful or responsive they would be.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I've also used CentOS. The setup and scalability are the same as Oracle.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. I haven't noticed any complexities. The deployment takes several days. It doesn't take too long.
We have a team that handles deployment and maintenance. There are about five people and they are engineers.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the setup ourselves. We did not need outside help. Our support team could easily deploy it.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing is open-source. We do not have to pay for licensing.
What other advice do I have?
We are using version nine. I cannot recall the exact version number.
I'd recommend the solution to others.
I would rate the solution nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Project Manager at Closed Joint Stock Company Insurance Company TAS
It works stable and provides a secure environment
Pros and Cons
- "The solution's technical support team answers all our queries."
- "It is not a user-friendly solution."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution to manage the databases.
What is most valuable?
The solution's most valuable feature is its capability to provide a safe and secure environment.
What needs improvement?
They should make the solution user-friendly. Also, they should add documentation and video lessons to guide us about its new features. We have a team of specialists who can train us on it, but we need help finding enough information.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support team answers all our queries.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup is complicated.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is an expensive solution for us.
What other advice do I have?
It is challenging to work with Oracle Linux, but it is a stable and secure solution. I recommend it to others and rate it as an eight.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. IT Analyst at NCR Corporation
A solution with a great operating system and helpful for creating scripts
Pros and Cons
- "It is a good solution, and the performance is good."
- "It has a very good operating system, and if anyone wants a secure one, Oracle Linux is a good choice."
- "Features related to use, feel, and user experience could be improved. It could also have a more user-friendly interface."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to create some scripts, and push, start, and stop our product.
How has it helped my organization?
It is a good solution, and the performance is good.
What is most valuable?
It has a very good operating system, and if anyone wants a secure one, Oracle Linux is a good choice.
What needs improvement?
Features related to use, feel, and user experience could be improved. It could also have a more user-friendly interface.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for the past 15 years and are using the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is good, and we use the support sometimes. I rate the technical support an eight out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. We did not need an integrator for deployment and completed it ourselves. I rate the setup an eight out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution a nine out of ten, and I would recommend this solution to others.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Software and Cloud Engineer at Velocis Technologies LLC
Easy deployment and stable but documentation capabilities could be better
Pros and Cons
- "It is good for web, network, and file management."
- "The ease of deployment is very valuable because the deployment process is straightforward to manage."
- "There can be improvements to the documentation capabilities."
- "The documentation capabilities could be better. Although it is sufficient, other solutions provide better documentation."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution for deploying and managing operating systems and web servers. It is good for web, network, and file management.
What is most valuable?
The ease of deployment is very valuable because the deployment process is straightforward to manage.
What needs improvement?
The documentation capabilities could be better. Although it is sufficient, other solutions provide better documentation.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for two years and have used a variety of versions.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable and we have no issues with it.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, and it is easy to patch.
How are customer service and support?
We have no experience with customer service and support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. However, it may be more challenging to set up for people with no experience.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution a seven out of ten because there can be improvements to the documentation capabilities and the communities around them.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Premium Services Sales- CX Professional Services at Cisco
Stable, scalable with good data download and upload features
Pros and Cons
- "It is a stable solution with a secure operating system."
- "Oracle Linux is scalable because it allows for a hybrid cloud environment."
- "It will be better to consolidate all the features in one release instead of sporadic releases."
- "If the number of releases is too frequent you begin to doubt the stability of the system even if it is stable."
What is our primary use case?
We use it on-premises because there is more data and then we download and upload it to the cloud. Customers are a little upset whenever they have to upload all the data to the cloud and they are also very specific. Whoever is working with us has the data on their systems.
What needs improvement?
We are not impacted by new releases, because whenever there is a new release, we are informed by our IT team and we prepare accordingly. However, if the number of releases is too frequent you begin to doubt the stability of the system even if it is stable. So if a new release is required, it will be better to consolidate all the features in one release instead of sporadic releases.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for ten years. It is deployed on-premises which is more secure.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution with a secure operating system.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Oracle Linux is scalable because it allows for a hybrid cloud environment. We have more than 100,000 users in our company.
How are customer service and support?
Our IT team handles interactions with technical support, so we route everything through them. It has been smooth, and we have gotten some good responses, even over email.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I rate this solution a ten out of ten because I am happy with the platforms.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Software Developer at NMB Bank Plc
Flexible, quick technical support, and reliable
Pros and Cons
- "Oracle Linux's most valuable feature is flexibility."
- "The technical support is good. Whenever I'm having an issue that cannot be resolved, I get in contact with Oracle and then they resolve it fast."
- "Oracle Linux could improve by having better compatibility with other solutions. Some aspects of the configuration are difficult. I was using Oracle Linux on a Mac computer and it was very difficult to set up."
What is our primary use case?
I am using Oracle Linux for databases.
What is most valuable?
Oracle Linux's most valuable feature is flexibility.
What needs improvement?
Oracle Linux could improve by having better compatibility with other solutions. Some aspects of the configuration are difficult. I was using Oracle Linux on a Mac computer and it was very difficult to set up.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Oracle Linux for approximately five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found Oracle Linux to be stable. I'm not receiving any issues when I use it, when I connect it to the other parts with the setup, it has been stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Oracle Linux has good scalability.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is good. Whenever I'm having an issue that cannot be resolved, I get in contact with Oracle and then they resolve it fast.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of Oracle Linux could be less expensive for those who are running a small freelance company, such as I do. We use the solution fully but the income that you're receiving is slow.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others that are interested in implementing this solution to try it out. However, they need to know what they are doing first because if you don't know the solution well, you will not be able to implement it properly, and that will not yield correct results.
I rate Oracle Linux an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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