14 DAY TRIAL // CentOS 5.6 has finally been released after quite some time in the works. Based on the latest update to the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.x line, it brings all of the updated packages and fixes from the popular Linux distro and packages them in a completely free version lacking Red Hat branding and artwork.
"We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of CentOS-5.6 for i386 and x86_64 Architectures," CentOS wrote in the release announcement.
"CentOS-5.6 is based on the upstream release EL 5.6 and includes packages from all variants including Server and Client. All upstream repositories have been combined into one, to make it easier for end users to work with," the announcement explained.
"CentOS 5.6 is the sixth update to the CentOS 5 distribution series. It contains a lot of bugfixes, updates and new functionality," the release notes read.
RHEL 5.6 was made available in January earlier this year. Since then, CentOS developers have been working on getting CentOS 5.6 out the door. It took longer than usual due to a combination of factors.
The team is struggling with a lack of support which took its toll on the process. What's more, they're also working on getting CentOS 6.0, which is based on the latest and greatest Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.0, that came out in November last year, out the door.
Since CentOS aims to be as close to the source as possible, there are few changes from the original RHEL 5.6. The branding and artwork have been removed as usual, but other than that, it's a rather vanilla version of RHEL.
You can check out what's new in CentOS 5.6 from the original Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.6 announcement or the release notes.
CentOS 5.6 is available for download here on Softpedia.