Last Updated on 1 year by Sachin G
EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) and RepoForge are both open-source YUM repositories that provide software packages for Linux-based systems such as CentOS, Red Hat Linux, and Scientific Linux. Both repositories have thousands of software packages in RPM format.
Formerly known as RPMForge, RepoForge stands as a robust repository boasting an extensive collection of Linux binary RPM packages. The EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository is a significant project managed by the Fedora community. It focuses on creating and managing top-quality additional packages designed for business environments. These packages cater not only to Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) but also find utility in various Linux-based systems, including Scientific Linux (SL).
Features of EPEL & RepoForge Repositories :
- In both projects managed RPM packages for Red Hat Enterprise Linux ( RHEL ), CentOS, Scientific Linux
- Repositories provide packages for servers, desktops, and development.
- Both support an open-source community.
- Bulk package management works with YUM commands.
Now we are going to install both repo on different version of RHEL / CentOS . In Start we need to download rpm package from respective project repository and then install from RPM command.Find below to install repository on CentOs/RHEL and Scientific Linux etc.
EPEL Repository for RHEL 7 / CentOS 7
# wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm # rpm -Uvh epel-release-latest-7.noarch.rpm
EPEL Repository for RHEL 8 / CentOS 8
# wget https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/epel-release-latest-8.noarch.rpm # rpm -ivh epel-release-latest-8.noarch.rpm
Now, CentOS has released the Stream version of CentOS 8 and 9, intended for future enterprise releases. If you plan to use the Stream version, make sure to include the Next, along with the ‘epel-release’ package.
Repository EPEL for CentOS Stream 8 & 9 Version
dnf install epel-release epel-next-release
Installing RepoForge On RHEL 7 /CentOS 7
# wget http://repository.it4i.cz/mirrors/repoforge/redhat/el7/en/x86_64/rpmforge/RPMS/rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el7.rf.x86_64.rpm # rpm -Uvh rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el7.rf.x86_64.rpm
Install RepoForge On RHEL 6 /CentOS 6
# wget http://repository.it4i.cz/mirrors/repoforge/redhat/el6/en/x86_64/rpmforge/RPMS/rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el6.rf.x86_64.rpm # rpm -Uvh http://repository.it4i.cz/mirrors/repoforge/redhat/el6/en/x86_64/rpmforge/RPMS/rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el6.rf.x86_64.rpm
Install RepoForge On RHEL 5 / CentOS 5
# wget http://repository.it4i.cz/mirrors/repoforge/redhat/el5/en/x86_64/rpmforge/RPMS/rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el5.rf.x86_64.rpm # rpm -Uvh rpmforge-release-0.5.3-1.el5.rf.x86_64.rpm
Verify Installation
Confirm that both repository is successfully installed by checking the enabled repositories.
yum repolist
Enjoy the enhanced functionality and flexibility that these repositories bring to your Linux environment.
I’m Sachin Gupta — a freelance IT support specialist and founder of Tech Transit. I’m certified in Linux, Ansible, OpenShift (Red Hat), cPanel, and ITIL, with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I create beginner-friendly Linux tutorials, help with Ansible automation, and offer IT support on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. Follow Tech Transit for practical tips, hosting guides, and real-world Linux expertise!