this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2026
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I've used alpine and can confirm, it's pretty fun and efficient.
I've even been thinking of trying to setup a super small work environment on it, a full Wayland desktop daily driver, like, using labwc, lxqt, foot terminal and Emacs making it into a terminal first workplace with the ability to exploit it's computing efficiency to make use of the modern stack in stuff like web browsing when the terminal tooling doesn't cut it.
My computer can run everything pretty well already, but a terminal first environment is the perfect training for me to get used to my new split keyboard layout, while also being a perfect excuse to go all in on my programming hobby by setting everything up in a container like environment such as alpine, additionally, the minimalism larp appeals a lot to me, it just feels right.
I use Alpine Linux as a daily desktop. I use swaywm and foot, sometimes LibreWolf for browsing. I'm mostly using the command line with some TUI's so it's a very minimal system.
I found out I really enjoy POSIX scripting so that's how I choose to spend my spare time. I try to make scripts that make using the CLI environment easier to use.
If you are interested, I have a script that can setup Alpine on a desktop with full disk encryption. I didn't figure out how to do it, I just made the script easier to use. https://codeberg.org/taters/Alpine-Linux-Install_Full-Disk-Encryption_LVM
I also use it for two Raspberry Pi devices. I think the minimal environment is good for a server. Less complexity and attack surface to think about.
I've learned a lot about computers and the operating system with Alpine, it's been a fun experience.
I tried to run Genshin Impact on Alpine once. Did not succeed.
Never got Genshin working on any distro, even the "anime game launcher" launcher
I have it running right now on Fedora using lutris. Standard install, no weird steps or anything. Lutris is flatpak.
I drove Alpine a while back and the docs are amazing for getting every little thing setup. LabWC, Wayfire, and River (now river-classic) all ran perfectly with a fully custom EWW bar/launcher/notifications ontop of them. I only ever played the OG S.T.A.L.K.E.R games and Anomaly on that setup but they ran without hiccup
Its still installed on my laptop but I haven't really touched it in quite some time, and my desktop is on Bazzite since its mainly a gaming machine. I dont recommend Alpine as a desktop distro because of the amount of setup/configuration needed, but I find it much nicer to use as a dev system than Arch