Kernels: Difference between revisions

From Alpine Linux
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* {{Pkg|linux-lts}} 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.
* {{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}} ({{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-rpi}} is optimized for the Raspberry Pi.
* [https://pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name=linux-rpi&branch=edge linux-rpi] is optimized for the Raspberry Pi. There are also [https://pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name=linux-rpi2&branch=edge linux-rpi2] and [https://pkgs.alpinelinux.org/packages?name=linux-rpi4&branch=edge linux-rpi4] 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 <code>apk add</code> before running <code>setup-alpine</code>.

Revision as of 23:07, 8 November 2023

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. There are 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