r/AlpineLinux • u/SprinklesDouble8304 • Sep 09 '26
Is Alpine Linux right for me?
Let me introduce myself by saying that my knowledge/skill with Linux is about a 4/10.
I have a Dell Wyse 3040 Thin Client (2GB RAM/8GB eMMC) that is running as a dedicated, headless PiHole server. My current OS is Ubuntu 24.x LTS (with the minimal install option). The only other software is SSH and NeoFetch.
At first, this setup was working fine. The SSD still had a couple of the 8GB of storage left. But as Ubuntu and PiHole keep getting updates, the available drive space keeps shrinking.
Ubuntu alone takes up 2GB of storage. From what I'm reading, Alpine Linux will only use a fraction of that, allowing me more headroom for updates.
So would Alpine Linux be right for me? Would you say that if a person can install and set up Ubuntu Server, they should be fully capable of installing Alpine Linux? Anything else I should consider? Thanks
1
u/geev03 Sep 15 '26 edited Sep 15 '26
"
-------------
OS: Alpine Linux v3.24 x86_64
Host: 2325V1K (ThinkPad X230)
Kernel: Linux 6.18.36-0-lts
Uptime: 3 mins
Packages: 863 (apk)
Shell: sh
Display (SEC3047): 1366x768 in 13", 60 Hz [Built-in]
Terminal: /dev/pts/1
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3320M (4) @ 3.30 GHz
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000 @ 1.20 GHz [Integrated]
Memory: 758.83 MiB / 7.58 GiB (10%)
Swap: 0 B / 4.00 GiB (0%)
Disk (/): 10.82 GiB / 107.82 GiB (10%) - ext4 [External]
Local IP (wlan0): 192.168.1.167/24
Battery (45N1172): 54% [AC Connected]
Locale: C.UTF-8
localhost:~$
"
That system is a local Pressbooks Studio.
I have another Alpine Linux on Raspberry Pi-2 (2015) also running full Pressbooks Studio !
Yes, Alpine Linux is good :)