Rocky Linux 9.8 Released with Enhanced Image Builder

Rocky Linux has just rolled out its latest 9.8 update, equipping users with a suite of powerful utilities such as PostgreSQL, Grafana, and a host of other essential tools.

The revamped Image Builder now supports the creation of WSL2 images, the injection of Kickstart files during ISO builds, and sophisticated disk partitioning. It also eliminates the separate /boot partition for system images on platforms like AWS and KVM, streamlining deployment across diverse environments. Originally introduced by Red Hat during the RHEL 8 cycle, the Image Builder has been available as a generally available feature in Rocky Linux since version 8.4, making it an indispensable asset for building custom OS images.

In addition to the Image Builder enhancements, the 9.8 release brings a host of package upgrades: OpenSSH 9.9 replaces the older 8.7, delivering critical security fixes; MariaDB 11.8, Node.js 24, Ruby 4.0, and PostgreSQL 18 are now available, empowering developers to build cutting‑edge web applications.

To upgrade an existing Rocky Linux 9 installation, simply execute sudo dnf -y upgrade. For those who prefer a graphical approach, GNOME Software or KDE Discover can also apply the updates. Rocky Linux recommends a fresh install for users transitioning from Rocky Linux 8 to ensure a clean, optimized environment.

Rocky Linux, a community‑driven open‑source Enterprise Linux distribution, offers businesses the same rock‑solid reliability of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) without the cost of Red Hat’s commercial support. Designed to be a 100 % “bug‑for‑bug” drop‑in replacement, it lets organizations migrate or maintain production workloads on a fully compatible platform.

Gregory Kurtzer, the original mind behind CentOS, launched Rocky Linux just hours after Red Hat announced the end of the traditional CentOS stable release in December 2020. Within days, another community effort, AlmaLinux, also emerged to address the void, underscoring the rapid response of the open‑source ecosystem to industry shifts.