Kernels
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.
- linux-asahi — Apple Silicon devices, see https://asahilinux.org/
- linux-elm — Elm chromebooks
- linux-gru — Gru chromebooks
- linux-sophgo — Sophgo RISC-V SoC's
- linux-p550 — SiFive P550 RISC-V SoC's
- linux-starfive — Starfive RISC-V SoC's
- linux-jh7100 — Starfive JH7100 SoC
- linux-spacemit — SpacemiT RISC-V SoC's