# AlmaLinux [AlmaLinux](https://almalinux.org) is a stable Linux distribution derived from the sources of the popular [RedHat Enterprise Linux](https://www.redhat.com/en/technologies/linux-platforms/enterprise-linux). AlmaLinux is used for our FreeIPA servers because the Debian family doesn't offer the server packages (yet...) ## Notable Features * It supports FreeIPA Server. ## Notable CSL Modifications * We use [Netboot](/technologies/networking/netboot.md) to install it. ## Trivia * AlmaLinux comes with a firewall set up by default, which is nice for security reasons given how critical our Alma machines are. * The AlmaLinux servers have automatic updates set up. They patch themselves at 3AM on weekends. We never have to do anything ourselves. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://documentation.tjhsst.edu/technologies/operating-systems/centos.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.