AlpineBSD is an operating system based on the NetBSD kernel with a userspace inspired by Alpine Linux and the objective of making it possible to use as little AI-generated software as possible. There is no LLM output included in the base system or main package repository (AlpineBSD AI policy).

AlpineBSD is a work in progress. There is currently no installer available. For the adventurous, a very high-level installation guide is available here.

Compared to NetBSD

AlpineBSD ships the NetBSD kernel, libc, and essential platform-specific tools like mount.

NOTICE: The NetBSD kernel has spotty hardware support, much less so than Linux. You cannot necessarily expect AlpineBSD to work on any random computer you have lying around. Consult the NetBSD supported hardware list for more information, particularly for laptops.

Compared to Alpine Linux

AlpineBSD ships with the apk-tools package manager and busybox, and a slightly more GNU-oriented userspace, preferring e.g. GNU make over BSD make. AlpineBSD is not a fork of Alpine Linux, its package collection is original (though many packages are ultimately based on aports).

Alpine Linux uses the OpenRC init system. Currently, AlpineBSD uses s6 and we intend to add OpenRC as an alternative.