Installation on a headless host - Revision history

Macmpi: /* Headless bootstrap overlay file */

2025-12-09T11:39:51Z

Headless bootstrap overlay file

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:39, 9 December 2025
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	While straightforward in default use-case, many optional settings and advanced modes are detailed on repo homepage (unattended installs scripting, secured logon, ssh keys configuration, gadget-modes, etc).		While straightforward in default use-case, many optional settings and advanced modes are detailed on repo homepage (unattended installs scripting, secured logon, ssh keys configuration, gadget-modes, etc).

	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{~~pkg\|raspberrypi*\|~~arch=\|maintainer=~~macmpi~~}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of [https://pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name{{=}}&branch{{=}}edge&repo{{=}}&arch{{=}}&maintainer{{=}}macmpi packages] for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or of a side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or of a side media.

Macmpi at 16:36, 4 April 2025

2025-04-04T16:36:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 4 April 2025
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	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or of a side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

Macmpi at 16:35, 4 April 2025

2025-04-04T16:35:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:35, 4 April 2025
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	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or ~~custom~~ side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

Macmpi: streamline custom media use

2025-04-04T16:34:05Z

streamline custom media use

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 4 April 2025
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	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media ~~is needed for [[Installation#Preparing_installation_media\|Installation media]] in iso9660 format~~.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

Prabuanand: clarified on the format of the installation media

2025-04-04T05:31:37Z

clarified on the format of the installation media

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:31, 4 April 2025
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	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of ~~the Alpine Linux~~ [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media is needed for [[Installation#Preparing_installation_media\|Installation media]] in iso9660 format.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

Prabuanand: added customizable boot device page link

2025-04-03T17:23:18Z

added customizable boot device page link

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 3 April 2025
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	==See also==		==See also==
			* [[Create a Bootable Device\|Customizable boot device page]]
	* [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|Diskless page with information on apkovl]]		* [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|Diskless page with information on apkovl]]
	* [[Alpine local backup]]		* [[Alpine local backup]]

Prabuanand: changed the first line to be consistent with the approach

2025-04-03T17:21:35Z

changed the first line to be consistent with the approach

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:21, 3 April 2025
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	== Alternative custom install media preparation steps==		== Alternative custom install media preparation steps==

	A Custom~~-made~~ headless [[~~Diskless Mode#Apkovl~~\|~~apkovl~~]] ~~file can be created~~ as per the below process.		A Custom install media for a headless host can be created using a [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]] as per the below process.

	{{Note\|Instead of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], if a read-only boot media is used, then storing the configs require either a separate storage media or server location.}}		{{Note\|Instead of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], if a read-only boot media is used, then storing the configs require either a separate storage media or server location.}}
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	* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the customizable boot device.		* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the customizable boot device.
	* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the customizable boot device.		* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the customizable boot device.

	==See also==		==See also==

Prabuanand: replaced the Installation media by customizable boot device removed expand notice

2025-04-03T17:16:57Z

replaced the Installation media by customizable boot device removed expand notice

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 3 April 2025
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	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of the Alpine Linux [[~~Installation#Preparing_installation_media~~\|~~Installation media~~]], or custom side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of the Alpine Linux [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR
Line 29:		Line 29:

	A Custom-made headless [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|apkovl]] file can be created as per the below process.		A Custom-made headless [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|apkovl]] file can be created as per the below process.
	~~{{Expand}}~~
	* Booting the install media on some computer with a display and keyboard attached, or in a virtual machine, and doing an intermediate "diskless" setup of just the boot media (more details below), i.e. using the offical <code>[[Alpine_setup_scripts#setup-alpine\|setup-alpine]]</code> to configure the system's network, possibly for dhcp if needed, a ssh server, and a login user.
	* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the boot media (if it is writable, otherwise on a separate storage media).
	* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the boot media (or on an auxilary media or server location, in case the boot media is read-only).

			{{Note\|Instead of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], if a read-only boot media is used, then storing the configs require either a separate storage media or server location.}}

			* Booting the [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]] on some computer with a display and keyboard attached, or in a virtual machine, and doing an intermediate "diskless" setup of just the boot media (more details below), i.e. using the offical <code>[[Alpine_setup_scripts#setup-alpine\|setup-alpine]]</code> to configure the system's network, possibly for dhcp if needed, a ssh server, and a login user.
			* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the customizable boot device.
			* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the customizable boot device.

	==See also==		==See also==

Prabuanand: removed the Note template about physical access as it does not need emphasis

2025-04-03T15:37:41Z

removed the Note template about physical access as it does not need emphasis

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:37, 3 April 2025
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	This page documents an easy installation procedure for Alpine Linux on a headless host i.e a system without keyboard, mouse & display to interact with but otherwise available only through a network connection~~. This procedure applies to '''all''' platforms.~~		This page documents an easy installation procedure for Alpine Linux on a headless host i.e a system without keyboard, mouse & display to interact with but otherwise available only through a network connection. Somebody has to insert the Install media and power up the headless host. This procedure applies to '''all''' platforms.

	~~{{Note\| These steps still require physical access to the headless host~~. Somebody has to insert the Install media and power up the headless host.}}

	== Headless bootstrap overlay file ==		== Headless bootstrap overlay file ==

Macmpi: rephrased statement on optional settings

2025-04-03T08:15:49Z

rephrased statement on optional settings

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 3 April 2025
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	The [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap Headless bootstrap] repo provides a ready-to-use overlay file to bootstrap a headless system.		The [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap Headless bootstrap] repo provides a ready-to-use overlay file to bootstrap a headless system.

	While straightforward ~~to use~~ in default use-case, ~~repo homepage provides details on~~ many optional settings and advanced modes ~~like~~ unattended installs scripting, secured logon, ssh keys configuration, etc.		While straightforward in default use-case, many optional settings and advanced modes are detailed on repo homepage (unattended installs scripting, secured logon, ssh keys configuration, gadget-modes, etc).

	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 4 April 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or of a side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:35, 4 April 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or ~~custom~~ side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 4 April 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media ~~is needed for [[Installation#Preparing_installation_media\|Installation media]] in iso9660 format~~.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:31, 4 April 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of ~~the Alpine Linux~~ [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media is needed for [[Installation#Preparing_installation_media\|Installation media]] in iso9660 format.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 3 April 2025
Line 9:		Line 9:
	{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}		{{Note\|The author of above repo macmpi also maintains a number of {{pkg\|raspberrypi*\|arch=\|maintainer=macmpi}} packages for Alpine Linux.}}

	To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of the Alpine Linux [[~~Installation#Preparing_installation_media~~\|~~Installation media~~]], or custom side media.		To Install Alpine Linux on a headless host, just add [https://github.com/macmpi/alpine-linux-headless-bootstrap headless.apkovl.tar.gz] overlay file as-is (along with optional config files) at the root of the Alpine Linux [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], or custom side media.

	If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR		If using wifi networking, create a file {{Path\|wpa_supplicant.conf}} in the same location as follows:{{Cat\|wpa_supplicant.conf\|<nowiki>country=FR
Line 29:		Line 29:

	A Custom-made headless [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|apkovl]] file can be created as per the below process.		A Custom-made headless [[Diskless Mode#Apkovl\|apkovl]] file can be created as per the below process.
	~~{{Expand}}~~
	* Booting the install media on some computer with a display and keyboard attached, or in a virtual machine, and doing an intermediate "diskless" setup of just the boot media (more details below), i.e. using the offical <code>[[Alpine_setup_scripts#setup-alpine\|setup-alpine]]</code> to configure the system's network, possibly for dhcp if needed, a ssh server, and a login user.
	* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the boot media (if it is writable, otherwise on a separate storage media).
	* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the boot media (or on an auxilary media or server location, in case the boot media is read-only).

			{{Note\|Instead of [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]], if a read-only boot media is used, then storing the configs require either a separate storage media or server location.}}

			* Booting the [[Create a Bootable Device\|customizable boot device]] on some computer with a display and keyboard attached, or in a virtual machine, and doing an intermediate "diskless" setup of just the boot media (more details below), i.e. using the offical <code>[[Alpine_setup_scripts#setup-alpine\|setup-alpine]]</code> to configure the system's network, possibly for dhcp if needed, a ssh server, and a login user.
			* Choosing "disks=none" for now, yet, configure to store configs on the customizable boot device.
			* Use <code>[[Alpine_local_backup\|lbu commit]]</code> to store the configs as local backup. Then your completed setup, including its securely created own private keys, will readily get (re)loaded on every subsequent (headless) boot from your custom-build <code><hostname>.apkovl.tar.gz</code> stored on the customizable boot device.

	==See also==		==See also==