AlpineBSD announced – an AI-free FOSS OS

AlpineBSD, a brand new operating system in the BSD family, is making waves by taking a markedly different stance from its counterparts. The system's primary focus is to avoid the use of generative AI models, including those produced by large language models (LLMs) like those used in AI tools.

AlpineBSD aims to combine the kernel from NetBSD with a userspace design inspired by Alpine Linux. The goal is to minimize the reliance on AI-generated software as much as possible. The project acknowledges the stance of the NetBSD community, which has explicitly stated that code generated by LLMs is considered tainted.

In July, Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, expressed that Linux is not part of the anti-AI movement. This has led to a surge in donations and interest in NetBSD. However, for users accustomed to Linux, setting up NetBSD can be a daunting task, akin to diving into technology from the 1990s.

Installing software on NetBSD is not as straightforward as with Linux. The system does have a package manager called pkgin, but it's an optional add-on. Users must manually enable pkgin during the installation process. The NetBSD FAQ even mentions that pkgin is not installed by default.

Despite these challenges, the NetBSD community has its own distinct approach, expected by its users. Some community members prefer to compile software from source code rather than relying on binary packages. The AlpineBSD project's ports repository and source code are hosted on Sourcehut, an account maintained by Drew DeVault, a well-known figure in the Linux community.

AlpineBSD's tools are adaptable, as evidenced by their use in other systems like Chimera Linux and Adélie Linux. The project combines the well-established, AI-free NetBSD kernel with the user-friendly components of Alpine Linux, an operating system known for its simplicity. This combination presents an appealing option for those who wish to stay away from the AI wave.