Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5, originally released in March 2007, contains more than 1,200 components covering a broad range of functionality. Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides CIOs and IT managers with the means to reduce costs while improving operational flexibility throughout their computing infrastructure.
The following list provides a brief summary of the more important enhancements. For additional details, see the server and desktop Red Hat Enterprise Linux product sections.
Virtualization with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5
Virtualization is provided in all Red Hat Enterprise Linux server products and is optionally available for desktop products
Storage and extended server virtualization are provided with Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform
Red Hat Network supports virtualized guest operating systems
virt-manager, libvirt/virsh management tools are available for single system or scripted virtualization management
Integration with Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization is available for enterprise virtualization management
Kernel and performance
Currently in update 4
Based on the Linux 2.6.18 kernel
Optimized for multi-core processors
Continued hardware support for maximum flexibility
Development and performance tools, including SystemTap
advanced I/O performance and virtualization technologies, such as SRIOV
Large SMP support for both physical and virtual systems
IPv4/IPv6 fragmentation offload and buffer management
Dynamically switchable per-queue I/O schedulers
Kernel buffer splice capability for improved I/O buffer operations
Packaging
Servers:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Platform
Red Hat Enterprise Linux
View server comparison chart
Desktops:
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop
View desktop comparison chart
Security
SELinux enhancements include Multi-Level Security and targeted policies for all services
SEtroubleshooter GUI simplifies SELinux management
Integrated directory and security capabilities
IPSEC enhancements improve security and performance
ExecShield enhancements, such as a call frame Canary word, strengthen hacker defenses
New Audit features provide powerful new search/reporting and real-time monitoring
Networking & interoperability
Network storage enhancements include Autofs, FS-Cache, and iSCSI support
IPv6 support and conformance enhancements
Improved Microsoft® file/print and Active Directory integration, including support for Windows
Desktop
Desktop enhancements include updated configuration tools, applications, and laptop support
Foundational Stateless Linux features (X autoconfigure, NetworkManager, etc.)
Improved ACPI support with features such as suspend to disk
Smart card login - with PKI/Kerberos authentication
Integrated multimedia support
Enhanced plug and play hardware support (cameras, printers, scanners, etc.)
Network Manager provides automatic wired and wireless network configuration
Enhanced graphics using AIGLX/Compiz (with fading, transparency, etc.)
Development environment
Enhanced application development tools including SystemTap profiler and Frysk debugger
GCC 4.1 and glibc 2.5 toolchain
Storage
Support for root device multipath IO (MPIO) improves availability
Single system/guest version of Red Hat Global File System included in the base server product
Block device data encryption support
Management
Numerous installer improvements make system configuration simpler
Yum/Pup-based updater for Red Hat Network
Conga cluster and storage management (with Advanced Platform)
Integrated support with Satellite server