Kernels: Difference between revisions

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Alpine Linux has [//pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name=linux-*&branch=edge several kernels] designed to suit different situations.
Alpine Linux has several kernels (see {{Pkg|linux-*}}) designed to suit different situations.


* [//git.alpinelinux.org/aports/tree/main/linux-vanilla linux-vanilla] is the stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware.
* {{Pkg|linux-lts}} is the stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware.
* linux-virt ([//git.alpinelinux.org/aports/tree/main/linux-vanilla linux-vanilla], 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}} ({{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.
* [//git.alpinelinux.org/aports/tree/main/linux-rpi linux-rpi] is optimized for the Raspberry Pi.
* {{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.


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 <code>apk add</code> before running <code>setup-alpine</code>.
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}}.


== Firmware ==
== Firmware ==


The [//pkgs.alpinelinux.org/package/edge/main/x86/linux-firmware linux-firmware] meta-package is included in the [[Installation|default installation]], and depends on all firmware. This is a large download, and you may be better served by installing [//pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name=linux-firmware-*&branch=edge only the firmwares you need], or [//pkgs.alpinelinux.org/package/edge/main/x86/linux-firmware-none linux-firmware-none] if you do not require any firmware. If you're unsure which firmware you need, boot up with no firmware installed and run <code>dmesg | grep firmware</code> to get an idea. Be aware that most firmware is nonfree.
The {{Pkg|linux-firmware}} meta-package is included in the [[Installation|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 {{Pkg|linux-firmware-*}}), or {{Pkg|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 {{ic|dmesg &vert; 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 own risk.
* {{pkg|linux-asahi|arch=aarch64}} for Apple silicon
* {{pkg|linux-elm|arch=aarch64}} for elm chromebooks
* {{pkg|linux-gru|arch=aarch64}} for gru chromebooks
== See also ==
* [https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel Kernel - Archwiki]


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

Latest revision as of 22:22, 9 January 2024

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

  • linux-lts is the stock modular kernel and is configured for a generous selection of hardware.
  • linux-virt (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.
  • linux-rpi is 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. See #15324 for future plans.

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 own risk.

See also