What’s New in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10? Features and Enhancements

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) has long been a trusted name in the world of Linux-based operating systems, widely used in business and enterprise environments. Known for its stability, security, and long-term support, RHEL provides a solid foundation for critical IT infrastructure. The latest release, RHEL 10, brings a host of exciting features and improvements that aim to make your systems more secure, powerful, and easier to manage.

In this blog, we will explore the key features and enhancements in RHEL 10 and why this version is a must-have for businesses, developers, and IT professionals alike.

What is Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)?

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux distribution developed by Red Hat, designed for commercial use. It focuses on delivering a secure, stable, and scalable operating system for businesses. Whether it's handling data center workloads, supporting cloud computing environments, or enabling virtualization, RHEL powers critical applications in industries like finance, government, healthcare, and telecommunications.

Key Features and Enhancements in RHEL 10

1. Enhanced Security Features

Security is always a top priority for enterprises, and RHEL 10 introduces several improvements to make systems even more secure. These updates not only enhance protection but also make it easier to maintain compliance with security standards.

a. Improved SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux)

SELinux is a key security module in RHEL that controls access to system resources. RHEL 10 brings several improvements to SELinux, making it more flexible and easier to configure. The updates include enhanced auditing tools that make it simpler for administrators to troubleshoot security-related issues and maintain a secure environment.

b. Integrated System Role for Security Compliance

In RHEL 10, integrated system roles allow users to automatically configure and enforce security compliance standards, such as the CIS Benchmarks (Center for Internet Security). This makes it easier for businesses to adhere to industry-standard security practices and ensures their systems are always up to date with the latest security guidelines.

c. Crypto Updates for Stronger Encryption

RHEL 10 includes updated cryptographic algorithms, such as FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) and TLS 1.3, which provide stronger encryption methods for securing communications and protecting sensitive data. These enhancements ensure that businesses can protect their data more effectively, whether it's at rest or in transit.

2. Performance Improvements

RHEL 10 also brings several performance improvements that enhance system responsiveness, scalability, and resource management, making it an ideal choice for both small-scale and large enterprise environments.

a. Improved Kernel and System Optimization

The kernel is the heart of any operating system, and in RHEL 10, the kernel has been optimized for better scalability and memory management. These updates ensure the system performs well even under heavy workloads, making it suitable for resource-intensive applications and high-demand environments.

b. Support for Modern Hardware

RHEL 10 adds support for the latest hardware platforms, including processors, storage devices, and networking equipment. This means that businesses can take full advantage of the latest advancements in technology to improve system performance and reduce bottlenecks in their infrastructure.

c. Optimized Resource Management for Containers

With the growing use of containers, especially in cloud-based environments, RHEL 10 introduces optimizations to container performance and resource allocation. This makes it easier for businesses to run and manage containerized applications at scale, improving performance and efficiency.

3. Advanced Cloud Integration and Hybrid Cloud Support

RHEL 10 enhances its support for cloud-native technologies, making it easier to manage hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments. These features are ideal for businesses that need to operate across public and private clouds, providing flexibility and scalability.

a. Seamless Integration with Red Hat OpenShift

RHEL 10 works seamlessly with Red Hat OpenShift, the leading container platform for building, deploying, and managing applications. This integration allows businesses to easily deploy and manage containerized applications using Kubernetes orchestration, both on-premise and in the cloud.

b. Expanded Support for Cloud Providers

RHEL 10 also expands its compatibility with major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure. This makes it easier for businesses to deploy RHEL systems across different cloud environments, ensuring flexibility and cost savings.

c. Simplified Cloud Management

RHEL 10 includes tools like Red Hat Insights and Red Hat CloudForms, which simplify cloud infrastructure management. These tools help businesses monitor system performance, optimize resource usage, and track costs, making it easier to manage large cloud environments effectively.

4. Enhanced Developer Tools and Application Support

For developers, RHEL 10 introduces new features designed to improve productivity and simplify application deployment.

a. New Application Streams

Application Streams allow developers to install and manage the latest versions of applications without having to wait for a full RHEL release. This makes it easier to stay up-to-date with the latest software and gives developers more control over their software environment.

b. Support for Modern Programming Languages

RHEL 10 offers expanded support for modern programming languages such as Python 3, Go, Node.js, and Java. Developers now have access to the latest versions of their favorite languages, frameworks, and development tools, ensuring they can build and deploy applications efficiently.

c. Improved Container Development Environment

With containers becoming an integral part of modern software development, RHEL 10 improves containerization tools like Podman and Buildah. These updates make it easier for developers to build, test, and deploy containerized applications, further streamlining the development process.

5. User Experience and System Administration Enhancements

RHEL 10 introduces several updates to improve user experience and make system administration easier and more efficient.

a. Simplified System Administration

RHEL 10 enhances the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Web Console, providing system administrators with a more intuitive and feature-rich interface. This console allows administrators to perform tasks like software installation, monitoring, and system configuration from a simple web interface, reducing the need for command-line interaction.

b. Enhanced System Roles for Automation

Automation is crucial in modern IT environments, and RHEL 10 adds an expanded set of system roles for automating everyday tasks like software updates, package installations, and security configurations. These enhancements save time and reduce the potential for human error, making it easier to manage large-scale infrastructures.

Conclusion

RHEL 10 brings numerous improvements to the table, including enhanced security, performance optimizations, and better cloud integration. These updates make it an ideal solution for businesses and developers looking to build secure, scalable, and efficient IT infrastructures. With enhanced support for containers, cloud environments, and modern development tools, RHEL 10 helps businesses stay ahead in today’s fast-paced technology landscape.

If you're looking for a reliable, flexible, and secure operating system to power your enterprise workloads, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 is the way forward.

FAQ's:

1. What is Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10?

RHEL 10 is the latest version of Red Hat's Linux distribution, designed for enterprise environments, offering improved security, performance, and cloud integration.

2. What new security features does RHEL 10 include?

RHEL 10 enhances SELinux flexibility, adds system roles for security compliance, and introduces stronger encryption standards like FIPS and TLS 1.3.

3. How has RHEL 10 improved performance?

Performance improvements include kernel optimizations, better memory management, support for modern hardware, and optimized container resource management.

4. What is the role of Red Hat OpenShift in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 offers seamless integration with Red Hat OpenShift, allowing better management of containerized applications, Kubernetes orchestration, and deployment in hybrid cloud environments.

5. What programming languages are supported in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 supports Python 3, Go, Node.js, Java, and more, providing developers with the latest tools to build and deploy applications.

6. How does RHEL 10 support hybrid and multi-cloud environments?

RHEL 10 offers better compatibility with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as tools like Red Hat Insights and Red Hat CloudForms to optimize cloud resource management.

7. What are Application Streams in RHEL 10?

Application Streams allow developers to access and manage the latest versions of applications without waiting for a full RHEL release, making software deployment easier.

8. How has container support improved in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 introduces better resource management for containers, as well as enhanced tools like Podman and Buildah to build, test, and deploy containerized applications more efficiently.

9. How has system administration changed in RHEL 10?

RHEL 10 brings a more intuitive web console for administrators to manage systems and expanded system roles for automating tasks like updates, package installations, and security configurations.

10. What are the key reasons businesses should upgrade to RHEL 10?

Businesses should upgrade to RHEL 10 for its enhanced security, optimized performance, advanced cloud support, developer tools, and improved system administration, making it a comprehensive solution for modern IT infrastructures.