# Alpine Linux on QEMU with Persistent Storage

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to setting up Alpine Linux on QEMU with persistent storage and SSH access.

## **Dependencies**

1. [Alpine Linux ISO](https://alpinelinux.org/downloads/)
    
2. [QEMU](https://www.qemu.org/download/)
    

## **Getting Started**

### **1\. Create a Virtual Disk**

To enable persistent storage, create a virtual hard disk:

```bash
qemu-img create -f qcow2 alpine-persistent.qcow2 10G
```

### **2\. Run QEMU with ISO and Virtual Disk**

Boot Alpine Linux with the installation ISO and attach the virtual disk:

```bash
qemu-system-x86_64 \
  -m 1024 \
  -smp 2 \
  -boot d \
  -cdrom alpine-standard-3.21.2-x86_64.iso \
  -drive file=alpine-persistent.qcow2,format=qcow2 \
  -net nic -net user,hostfwd=tcp::2222-:22 \
  -display gtk
```

### **3\. Install Alpine Linux**

1. Login with the default credentials i.e. (root,<no\_passwd>).
    
2. Start the setup script via `setup-alpine`.
    
3. When prompted to select a disk, choose sda (the attached virtual disk).
    
4. Follow the setup instructions and confirm writing changes to disk.
    
5. Once installation is complete, reboot the system.
    

### **4\. Enable SSH (Optional)**

SSH allows remote access to your VM from the host machine. Start the ssh service and enable for future connections.

```bash
rc-service sshd start
rc-update add sshd
```

You can now connect via SSH using:

```bash
ssh -p 2222 root@localhost
```

### **5\. Boot Installed Alpine Linux**

After installation, run QEMU without the ISO:

```bash
qemu-system-x86_64 \
  -m 1024 \
  -smp 2 \
  -drive file=alpine-persistent.qcow2,format=qcow2 \
  -net nic -net user,hostfwd=tcp::2222-:22 \
  -display gtk
```

> Now, your Alpine Linux VM is fully set up with persistent storage and SSH access.