Linux Lifecycle: End Of Life And Support Status

Linux is an open-source operating system that has been around since the mid-1990s. It is so popular that many different operating systems have been derived from it, including Android. Linux can be seen everywhere, either in one form or another. It has both a command-line interface only as well as a GUI.

Like most operating systems, the Linux OS comprises different components, like a Bootloader, kernel, init systems, daemons, graphical server, a desktop environment, and of course, the applications that run on top of it. Since Linux is more customizable, it is the preferred operating system for developers, but also for hackers, both white-hat and black-hat.

Difference versions of Linux have been created since its launch and have been patented by many. However, all versions, known as “flavors of Linux,” are very much alike. Below, you’ll find the information for some of the popular Linux flavors and end of support dates for their versions.

Support status guide

End of life (EOL) is the end of a product’s useful life. When a product reaches the end of its life cycle, the manufacturer no longer supports it. The following table explains the different phases of a product’s lifecycle. Testing status is when the product is initially released and EOL is when product support is no longer offered. The time between these two points is the support timeframe.

Testing

The software is not yet publicly available. It is in testing phase i.e., alpha, beta, release preview etc.

Active

The software is actively supported by the vendor.

Phasing Out

The software will soon reach its end of life. You need to look for upgrade or migration options. The software will automatically go into phasing out status 2 months before end of life.

End Of Life

The software is no longer supported by the vendor. You need to make sure your system and environment are safe.

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