Exploring RHEL 10 Beta: New Features and Installation Guide

Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Beta

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 (RHEL 10) is the latest major release from Red Hat, currently available in beta form. Released on December 10, 2024, this beta version gives users a sneak peek into the future of enterprise Linux, with general availability expected in mid-2025. RHEL 10 promises to bring significant updates and new features, making it an exciting time for Linux enthusiasts and IT professionals alike.

In this article, we’ll explore what’s new in RHEL 10 Beta, how you can download and install it, and share some first impressions of this upcoming release. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux administrator or just curious about the latest developments in enterprise Linux, this guide will help you get started with RHEL 10 Beta.

Key Features of RHEL 10 Beta

RHEL 10 Beta introduces several notable changes and enhancements over its predecessor, RHEL 9. Some of the key features include:

• Switch to Wayland: The graphics system for the install image has been updated from X.Org to Wayland, offering improved performance and security.
• RDP Support: Graphical remote access now uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) instead of VNC, providing a more seamless remote experience.
• Updated Software Packages: RHEL 10 Beta comes with the latest versions of popular software, such as Python 3.12, PHP 8.3, Perl 5.40, Ruby 3.3, Node.js 22, Git 2.45, MySQL 8.4, PostgreSQL 16, MariaDB 10.11, and Valkey 7.2.
• New Toolchain: The default compiler stack now includes GCC 14.2, glibc 2.39, and Binutils 2.41, ensuring developers have access to the latest tools.

These updates signify Red Hat’s commitment to providing a modern, secure, and high-performance Linux platform for enterprise environments.

How to Download Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Beta

Before you can experience RHEL 10 Beta, you’ll need to download the official ISO image from Red Hat’s website. This process is straightforward but requires a Red Hat account. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Sign Up for a Red Hat Account: If you don’t have an account, visit the Red Hat website and create a free personal account. This account grants access to downloads, documentation, and community resources specific to RHEL 10 Beta. The signup process is quick, requiring only basic information and email verification.
2. Log In to the Red Hat Portal: Once your account is verified, log in to the Red Hat Customer Portal or Developer Portal. Navigate to the downloads section, where RHEL 10 Beta is prominently featured.
3. Choose the Right ISO Image: RHEL 10 Beta offers ISO images for different architectures, such as x86-64 for standard laptops and desktops, and ARM for specific hardware like Raspberry Pi or server-grade ARM systems. For most users, the x86-64 ISO, approximately 6.46 GB, is the appropriate choice. Avoid the boot ISO, as it’s a lightweight version lacking the full operating system.
4. Initiate the Download: Click the download link for the RHEL 10 Beta ISO. Depending on your internet speed, the download may take several minutes to an hour. Ensure you have sufficient storage space, as the ISO file is sizable.
5. Verify the Download: After downloading, it’s a good practice to verify the ISO’s integrity using a checksum provided by Red Hat. This step ensures the file hasn’t been corrupted during transfer, guaranteeing a smooth installation process.

If you encounter issues accessing the download, double-check your account verification or consult Red Hat’s support forums. The Red Hat Developer Program also offers free access to RHEL 10 Beta for non-production use, making it an excellent option for students and hobbyists.

Installing RHEL 10 Beta on VirtualBox or VMware

Testing RHEL 10 Beta in a virtual machine is the safest and most flexible way to explore its features without altering your primary system. This section provides a detailed guide to installing RHEL 10 Beta using VirtualBox, though the steps are adaptable for VMware Workstation or other virtualization platforms.

1. Install VirtualBox: If you haven’t already, download and install VirtualBox from its official website. It’s free, open-source, and compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux hosts. Ensure your system meets VirtualBox’s requirements, including sufficient RAM and CPU resources.
2. Create a New Virtual Machine: Launch VirtualBox and click “New” to set up a virtual machine. Name it “RHEL 10 Beta” for clarity, select “Linux” as the type, and choose “Red Hat (64-bit)” as the version. If RHEL 10 isn’t listed, select RHEL 9 or a generic Linux 64-bit option, as the installer will handle the specifics.
3. Configure System Resources: Allocate at least 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended for smoother performance) and create a virtual hard disk. A dynamically allocated disk of 20-30GB is sufficient for RHEL 10 Beta, allowing room for the OS and additional packages.
4. Attach the ISO File: In the virtual machine’s settings, go to Storage, select the empty optical drive, and attach the RHEL 10 Beta ISO you downloaded. This ensures the virtual machine boots from the ISO during startup.
5. Start the Virtual Machine: Click “Start” to boot the virtual machine. You’ll see the RHEL 10 Beta installation menu, offering options like “Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.0 Beta” or “Test this media & install.” Choose the standard installation unless you suspect issues with the ISO.
6. Configure Installation Settings: The installer prompts you to select your language (English is default) and keyboard layout. Next, you’ll configure the time zone—select your region, such as Asia/Kolkata for India, or leave it as default. These settings can be adjusted later via command-line tools like timedatectl.
7. Choose Installation Type: For simplicity, select “Server with GUI” to install a graphical desktop environment alongside command-line tools. This option is ideal for exploring RHEL 10 Beta’s interface while retaining access to terminal-based administration.
8. Partitioning: Opt for automatic partitioning to let the installer handle disk allocation. Advanced users can choose custom partitioning to tailor the setup, but this isn’t necessary for testing.
9. Network and User Setup: Ensure the network is enabled (it’s on by default) to allow post-installation updates. Set a strong root password and create a normal user account for daily tasks. RHEL 10 Beta allows enabling administrative privileges for new users, which you can toggle based on your needs.
10. Complete the Installation: Review your settings and click “Begin Installation.” The installer will copy files, install packages, and configure the system, which may take 10-20 minutes depending on your hardware. Once finished, click “Reboot” to restart the virtual machine.

Troubleshooting Tips: If the installation hangs, verify that virtualization extensions (VT-x/AMD-V) are enabled in your BIOS. For mouse issues in VirtualBox, install the VirtualBox Guest Additions post-installation to improve integration. If the GUI doesn’t load, check that you selected the “Server with GUI” option during setup.

First Impressions of RHEL 10 Beta

Upon logging into RHEL 10 Beta, one of the first things you’ll notice is the new desktop environment, which is based on GNOME 40. The interface feels modern and responsive, with improved performance thanks to the switch to Wayland.

The installation process was straightforward, similar to previous RHEL versions, but with some updated options and defaults. For example, newly created users now have administrative privileges by default, which can be toggled during installation.

Exploring the system, I found that many applications and tools have been updated to their latest versions, providing a fresh and up-to-date experience. The inclusion of RDP support for remote access is a welcome addition, making it easier to manage and access virtual machines remotely.

Overall, RHEL 10 Beta feels like a solid foundation for the next generation of enterprise Linux, with promising improvements in performance, security, and usability.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 Beta is an exciting preview of what’s to come in the world of enterprise Linux. With its new features and updates, it’s definitely worth trying out, especially if you’re involved in IT operations or development.

As we await the general availability of RHEL 10 in mid-2025, now is the perfect time to get familiar with the beta version. Whether you’re testing new features, preparing for migration, or just curious about the latest in Linux, RHEL 10 Beta offers a lot to explore.

Remember, since this is a beta release, it’s not recommended for production use, but it’s an excellent opportunity to provide feedback to Red Hat and help shape the final product.

So, go ahead, download RHEL 10 Beta, install it in a virtual machine, and start exploring the future of enterprise Linux today!

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