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  1. Stackups
  2. Application & Data
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  4. Operating Systems
  5. Alpine Linux vs OpenBSD

Alpine Linux vs OpenBSD

OverviewComparisonAlternatives

Overview

OpenBSD
OpenBSD
Stacks46
Followers55
Votes0
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux
Stacks2.3K
Followers397
Votes37

Alpine Linux vs OpenBSD: What are the differences?

  1. Security Features: Alpine Linux focuses on minimalism and security, using the grsec/PaX patched kernel and stack protection measures such as SSP (Stack-Smashing Protection). On the other hand, OpenBSD is known for its strong focus on security, with security features like proactive audit of source code, memory protections, non-executable stack, and strong cryptography integrated into the system.
  2. Package Management: Alpine Linux uses the package manager called apk, which is lightweight and efficient. It can handle package dependencies and supports package pinning. In contrast, OpenBSD uses its own package manager called pkg_add, which is designed for simplicity and ease of use.
  3. Base System Components: Alpine Linux uses BusyBox, a small and lightweight set of common Unix utilities, as its base system components. It provides a small system footprint and reduces vulnerabilities. OpenBSD, on the other hand, provides a more complete and comprehensive set of base system components, with a focus on correctness and security.
  4. Community and Support: Alpine Linux has a growing community and active development, with regular releases and updates. It has a strong focus on containerization and is widely adopted in the container ecosystem. OpenBSD, on the other hand, has a well-established and experienced developer community, with a focus on security and code correctness. It is known for its excellent documentation and security advisories.
  5. Compatibility: Alpine Linux aims to be compatible with other Linux distributions, making it easier to port applications. It uses the musl libc instead of the more common glibc. OpenBSD, on the other hand, has its own libc implementation and follows a more conservative and strict approach to compatibility, which may require more effort to port applications.
  6. Licensing: Alpine Linux uses a permissive open-source license, the MIT License, which allows for greater flexibility and integration with proprietary software. OpenBSD, on the other hand, uses a more restrictive open-source license, the BSD License, which focuses more on preserving the integrity and freedom of the code.

In Summary, Alpine Linux and OpenBSD have key differences in their security features, package management systems, base system components, community and support, compatibility, and licensing.

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Detailed Comparison

OpenBSD
OpenBSD
Alpine Linux
Alpine Linux

It is a free and secure UNIX-like operating system that emphasizes portability, standardization, correctness, proactive security & integrated cryptography.

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

API and build changes;Kernel randomization;Memory protection;Cryptography and randomization;X11
-
Statistics
Stacks
46
Stacks
2.3K
Followers
55
Followers
397
Votes
0
Votes
37
Pros & Cons
No community feedback yet
Pros
  • 10
    Secure
  • 9
    Good in containers
  • 8
    Fast
  • 1
    Small footprint
  • 1
    Minimal dependencies
Cons
  • 2
    Cannot install metasploit
  • 1
    Not for inexperienced users
  • 1
    Does not run glibc binaries
Integrations
HTML5
HTML5
C++
C++
No integrations available

What are some alternatives to OpenBSD, Alpine Linux?

Ubuntu

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Debian

Debian

Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.

Arch Linux

Arch Linux

A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.

Fedora

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that provides users with access to the latest free and open source software, in a stable, secure and easy to manage form. Fedora is the largest of many free software creations of the Fedora Project. Because of its predominance, the word "Fedora" is often used interchangeably to mean both the Fedora Project and the Fedora operating system.

Linux Mint

Linux Mint

The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.

CentOS

CentOS

The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.

Linux

Linux

A clone of the operating system Unix, written from scratch by Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UNIX Specification compliance.

CoreOS

CoreOS

It is designed for security, consistency, and reliability. Instead of installing packages via yum or apt, it uses Linux containers to manage your services at a higher level of abstraction. A single service's code and all dependencies are packaged within a container that can be run on one or many machines.

Gentoo Linux

Gentoo Linux

It is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.

Manjaro

Manjaro

It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.

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