How to Elevate from CentOS 7/8 to AlmaLinux
CentOS is nearing End of Life. This guide will walk you through the process of migrating your CentOS system to AlmaLinux using the AlmaLinux ELevate tool. ELevate offers a smooth transition between major versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) derivatives, including CentOS.
Important Note: Before proceeding, it’s crucial to back up your entire system. This ensures you can recover data in case of any unforeseen issues.
Prerequisites
- A CentOS system (version 7 or 8) with internet access.
- Root privileges or a user with sudo access.
Steps
Update your CentOS System:
Ensure your CentOS system is up-to-date with the latest packages. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo yum update -y
Install the ELevate Repository:
The ELevate repository provides the necessary tools for migration. The specific steps will depend on your CentOS version:
CentOS 7:
sudo yum install -y http://repo.almalinux.org/elevate/elevate-release-latest-el7.noarch.rpm
CentOS 8:
The ELevate repository is already available in AlmaLinux 8 sources. You can skip this step.
Install Leapp Utility:
Leapp is the core tool within ELevate that handles the migration process. Use the following command to install it:
sudo yum install -y leapp
Pre-upgrade Check (Optional but Recommended):
Before initiating the migration, it’s wise to perform a pre-upgrade check. This step identifies potential issues that might hinder a successful transition. Run the following command:
sudo leapp preupgrade