Alpine Linux is a crazy-fast distro for your desktop – with just one caveat


Alpine Linux

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Alpine Linux is a small but mighty distribution.
  • With a bit of work, it can be shaped into a lightning-fast desktop OS.
  • Alpine Linux is free to download and install.

I’ve used every conceivable Linux distribution, from the extremely lightweight to the overstuffed and bloated. With almost every distribution type, I can find a rock-solid use to make the most of what it offers.

Also: The best Linux laptops: Expert tested for students, hobbyists, and pros

Alpine Linux is no outlier. However, for the most part, I’ve used this lightweight, security-focused distribution for container deployments —  one of the most common use cases for Alpine Linux because its base image is incredibly small (between 2.67 and 5 MB – yes, megabytes). This gives Alpine Linux a minimal attack surface, which is great for containers.

But is Alpine Linux an option for the desktop? The answer to that is yes, but with a big honking asterisk.

Let me explain.

What is Alpine Linux?

Alpine Linux is a very minimal distribution, which translates to, “It doesn’t ship with a desktop environment or a lot of apps/tools you’re accustomed to.” In fact, it doesn’t ship with sudo or even bash. 

Consequently, it does take some work to make Alpine Linux a viable option for the desktop. But that doesn’t preclude it from being an option, especially for those who value simplicity and security.

Also: Want to save your aging computer? Try these 5 Linux distributions

At the same time, getting Alpine Linux readied for desktop usage isn’t exactly for the faint of heart. If you know what you’re doing, you can have a solid desktop up and running in minutes. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it could take a while.

Is it time well spent? If you like a slight challenge and want to enjoy the end result of your efforts, the answer is yes. Alpine Linux as a desktop distribution is definitely worth the time spent.

Let me show you what that time involves.

Installing Alpine Linux

The installation of Alpine Linux is a text-based affair, but it’s not even remotely challenging (so long as you can answer a few simple questions).

The process includes the following:

  1. Create a bootable USB drive with the downloaded Alpine Linux ISO.
  2. Boot the USB drive.
  3. When prompted, log in as root (no password).
  4. Run the command setup-alpine.
  5. Select your keyboard.
  6. Set your hostname.
  7. Set up the network connection (accept the default by hitting Enter on your keyboard).
  8. Set a root user password.
  9. Set the time zone.
  10. Select an Alpine mirror. (I suggest the official Alpine mirror, as I’ve run into trouble with the fastest option.)
  11. Set up a regular user account.
  12. Choose your secure shell daemon. (Hit Enter to accept OpenSSH as your default.)
  13. Partition your disk. (Because we’re going to use this as a desktop, type sys for a traditional hard-disk installation.)
  14. The installation will complete in about a minute. Once it completes, reboot with the command: reboot

Also: After 30 years with Linux, I gave Windows 11 a chance – and found 9 clear problems

After it reboots, log in as the standard user you created during installation.

Installing the KDE Plasma desktop

Before installing KDE Plasma, there are a few things to take care of. First, you’ll need to enable the community repository. To do this, install the nano text editor with:

doas apk add nano

Once that completes, install bash and sudo with:

doas apk add bash bash-completion sudo shadow

Reboot again.

Log back in as your standard user and then issue the command:

setup-desktop

Type plasma and hit Enter on your keyboard. This will walk through installing everything required for the KDE Plasma desktop.

Also: The most beautiful Linux distributions 

When that completes, reboot again. After the reboot completes, you’ll be greeted with the KDE Plasma login screen, where you can log in as your standard user and start using the desktop.

Alpine Linux

KDE Plasma certainly is a beauty.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The first thing you’ll notice is how fast Alpine Linux performs. It’s crazy fast. You might also notice that, even though you have a network connection, some apps don’t recognize it. That’s because the NetworkManager service isn’t running. To start and enable that, issue the following commands:

doas rc-service networkmanager start

doas rc-update add networkmanager default

You should now be able to use everything as expected, even KDE Discover for installing applications (such as Flatpak).

Alpine Linux

I would highly recommend installing Flatpak, so you have more options.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

That’s a lot of hoops to jump through, yes, but the hoops aren’t all that challenging — so long as you don’t mind typing some commands. The end result is a lightning-fast desktop that can serve you very well. 

Who is Alpine Linux best suited for?

I would never recommend Alpine Linux as a desktop distribution for those with no Linux experience. But for those with even a modicum of familiarity with the open-source operating system, Alpine Linux could be a nice addition for personal use. On top of that, you’ll learn a bit more about Linux along the way.

Also: I tried the latest MX Linux version on my PC, and it made the system look and feel like new

One last thing: Alpine Linux doesn’t ship with a firewall (though when you install KDE Plasma, it adds a firewall GUI). You can install a firewall with a command like:

doas apk add ufw

Once you’ve installed the firewall, open the firewall GUI and enable it.

Have fun with Alpine Linux.





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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