How to install Alpine Linux on your computer

Alpine Linux is a lightweight and efficient distribution designed for security and simplicity. The installation process is straightforward.

Prerequisites

• 64-bit processor
• At least 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended)
• At least 1 GB disk space
• Internet connection
• Blank USB drive (at least 512 MB) or CD/DVD

Installation Steps

Step 1: Download Alpine Linux

Download the ISO from Alpine Linux website. Choose the appropriate version:

• Standard: Full installation with most packages
• Extended: Additional packages for desktop use
• Virtual: Optimized for virtual machines
• Mini Root: Minimal installation

Step 2: Create Bootable Media

Use tools to create bootable media:

For Windows:

• Rufus (recommended)
• UNetbootin
• Etcher

For Linux:

dd if=alpine.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

For macOS:

diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskN
sudo dd if=alpine.iso of=/dev/rdiskN bs=1m

Step 3: Boot from Media

1. Restart computer
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc)
3. Change boot order to USB/CD/DVD first
4. Save and exit

Step 4: Install Alpine Linux

After booting, login as root (no password).

Run the setup script:

setup-alpine

Follow the prompts:

1. Keyboard Layout: Select your keyboard layout
2. Hostname: Enter a hostname for your system
3. Network: Configure network (DHCP or static)
4. Root Password: Set a strong root password
5. Timezone: Select your timezone
6. Repository Mirror: Choose fastest mirror
7. SSH Server: Enable OpenSSH (recommended)
8. Disk Setup: Choose installation disk and mode:
   • sys: Traditional disk install
   • data: Data disk only
   • lvm: LVM setup
   • none: Diskless mode

Step 5: Reboot

After installation completes:

reboot

Remove installation media when prompted.

Post-Installation Setup

Update System

apk update
apk upgrade

Install Essential Packages

apk add sudo nano bash

Create User Account

adduser username
addgroup username wheel

Enable Community Repository

Edit /etc/apk/repositories:

nano /etc/apk/repositories

Uncomment the community repository line.

Install Desktop Environment (Optional)

For XFCE:

setup-xorg-base
apk add xfce4 xfce4-terminal lightdm-gtk-greeter
rc-update add lightdm

Conclusion

Alpine Linux offers a minimal, secure distribution for efficient computing. Its small footprint and security-focused design make it ideal for servers, containers, and embedded systems.