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How to install Alpine Linux on your computer
Linux Alpine Linux

How to install Alpine Linux on your computer

Published Nov 16, 2023

If you're interested in trying out Alpine Linux on your computer, the good news is that the installation process is straightforward and easy to follow.

2 min read
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Table of Contents

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.