Kernels: Difference between revisions

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Alpine Linux has several kernels (see {{Pkg|linux-*}}) designed to suit different situations.
Alpine Linux has several kernels (see {{Pkg|linux-*}}) designed to suit different situations.


* {{Pkg|linux-lts}} is the stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware.
* {{Pkg|linux-lts}} — Long-term support kernel, configured for a generous selection of hardware
* {{Pkg|linux-virt}} ({{Pkg|linux-lts}}, see the -virt configs) is recommended for Alpine Linux guests, and disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers.
** {{Pkg|linux-virt}} — Long-term support kernel, configured for VM guests (disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers)
* {{pkg|linux-rpi|arch=}} is optimized for the Raspberry Pi. For alpine 3.18 and older there is also {{pkg|linux-rpi2|branch=v3.18|arch=}} and {{pkg|linux-rpi4|branch=v3.18|arch=}} optimized for the raspberry pi 2 and 4 respectively. See {{issue|15324}} for future plans.
* {{Pkg|linux-stable}} &mdash; Stable kernel, configured for a generous selection of hardware <i>Only supported in <code>community</code></i>
* {{pkg|linux-rpi|arch=}} &mdash; Raspberry Pi's kernel, configured for the Raspberry Pi. <i>For Alpine 3.18 and older there is also {{pkg|linux-rpi2|branch=v3.18|arch=}} and {{pkg|linux-rpi4|branch=v3.18|arch=}} optimized for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 4 respectively.</i>
* {{Pkg|linux-openpax}} &mdash; Kernel with OpenPAX patches which provide a layer of defense against memory safety-related vulnerabilities.


For installing a custom kernel, see [[Custom Kernel]]. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with {{ic|apk add}} before running {{ic|setup-alpine}}.
For installing a custom kernel, see [[Custom Kernel]]. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with {{ic|apk add}} before running {{ic|setup-alpine}}.
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== Experimental Kernels ==
== Experimental Kernels ==


Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at own risk.
Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at your own risk.


* {{pkg|linux-asahi|arch=aarch64}} for Apple silicon
* {{pkg|linux-asahi|arch=aarch64}} &mdash; Apple Silicon devices, see https://asahilinux.org/
* {{pkg|linux-elm|arch=aarch64}} for elm chromebooks
* {{pkg|linux-elm|arch=aarch64}} &mdash; Elm chromebooks
* {{pkg|linux-gru|arch=aarch64}} for gru chromebooks
* {{pkg|linux-gru|arch=aarch64}} &mdash; Gru chromebooks
* {{pkg|linux-sophgo|arch=riscv64}} &mdash; Sophgo RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-p550|arch=riscv64}} &mdash; SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-starfive|arch=riscv64}} &mdash; Starfive RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-jh7100|arch=riscv64}} &mdash; Starfive JH7100 SoC
* {{pkg|linux-spacemit|arch=riscv64}} &mdash; SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[How to build the Alpine Linux kernel]]
* [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel Kernel - Archwiki]
* [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel Kernel - Archwiki]


[[category:Kernel]]
[[category:Kernel]]

Latest revision as of 23:52, 30 June 2025

Alpine Linux has several kernels (see linux-*) designed to suit different situations.

  • linux-lts — Long-term support kernel, configured for a generous selection of hardware
    • linux-virt — Long-term support kernel, configured for VM guests (disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers)
  • linux-stable — Stable kernel, configured for a generous selection of hardware Only supported in community
  • linux-rpi — Raspberry Pi's kernel, configured for the Raspberry Pi. For Alpine 3.18 and older there is also linux-rpi2 and linux-rpi4 optimized for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 4 respectively.
  • linux-openpax — Kernel with OpenPAX patches which provide a layer of defense against memory safety-related vulnerabilities.

For installing a custom kernel, see Custom Kernel. To select a specific kernel or firmware packages during installation from the Alpine ISO, simply install the desired kernel flavor and firmware packages with apk add before running setup-alpine.

Firmware

The linux-firmware meta-package is included in the default installation, and depends on all firmware. It is a large download. You may be better served by installing only the firmware you need (see linux-firmware-*), or linux-firmware-none if you do not require any firmware. If you're unsure which firmware you need, boot with no firmware installed and run dmesg | grep firmware to get an idea. Be aware that most firmware is non-free.

Experimental Kernels

Some kernels are not well tested and are therefor only available in the testing repository. Use at your own risk.

See also