Kernels: Difference between revisions

From Alpine Linux
(update (add linux-stable, linux-openpax, etc.))
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* {{pkg|linux-p550|arch=riscv64}} — SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-p550|arch=riscv64}} — SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-starfive|arch=riscv64}} — Starfive RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-starfive|arch=riscv64}} — Starfive RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-jh7100|arch=riscv64}} — Starfive JH7100 SoC
* {{pkg|linux-spacemit|arch=riscv64}} — SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's
* {{pkg|linux-spacemit|arch=riscv64}} — SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's



Revision as of 10:56, 28 June 2025

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

  • linux-lts — Stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware, uses Linux's long-term support kernel
  • linux-virt — Recommended for Alpine Linux guests, disables most hardware in favor of a commonly-virtualized subset of drivers. (linux-lts, see the -virt configs)
  • linux-stable — Vanilla kernel like linux-lts, following stable linux releases instead of LTS. Only supported in community
  • linux-rpi — Optimized 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