Simplified Image-based Oracle Database Installation

Starting with Oracle Database 18c, the Oracle Database software is available as an image file for download and installation. You must extract the image software into the directory where you want your Oracle home to be located, and then run the runInstaller script to start the Oracle Database installation.

For more information, see About Image-Based Oracle Database Installation

RPM-Based Oracle Database Installation

RPM-based Database Installation (RDI) enables an RPM-based installation of the Oracle Database software. Using the rpm-ivh command, an RPM-based database installation performs the preinstallation validations, extracts the packaged software, reassigns the ownership of the extracted software to the preconfigured user and groups, maintains the Oracle inventory, and executes all the root operations required to complete the Oracle Database software installation.

RPM-based Database Installation enables you to leverage an RPM framework to easily deploy Oracle Database.

For more information, see Installing Oracle Database Using RPM Packages

Read-Only Oracle Home

Starting with Oracle Database 18c, if you choose a read-only Oracle home, then the database tools and processes write under the ORACLE_BASE path instead of under the Oracle home directory.

A read-only Oracle home separates the software from the database configuration information and log files. This separation enables you to easily share the software across different deployments. A read-only Oracle home also simplifies version control and standardization.

For more information, see Configuring Read-Only Oracle Homes