NixOS is a well-designed OS with a fantastic array of layouts and features, but I recommend it to Linux users who aren’t afraid of a little learning curve.
Before we get into this review, I want to offer some information for new Linux users. If you’re uncomfortable using the command line or diving down rabbit holes to figure out how to do something that should « just work out of the box », then NixOS is probably not for you.
However, that’s not to say someone with minimal familiarity with the command line would fail with this distribution. For example, if you only need open-source software, NixOS could be a viable option. If, however, you need apps like Chrome, Slack, and Spotify, you might run into some frustration that will send you packing back to Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Windows.
With that said, let’s get to what makes this distribution great.
Not everyone wants an Ubuntu or Linux Mint distribution. I’m not saying those two operating systems aren’t outstanding, but at some point, a Linux user might want something a bit more robust.
I’ve tried nearly every Linux OS I’ve come across, from the ridiculously simple (Ubuntu) to the astoundingly complex (Gentoo) and everything in between. So when I find a Linux distribution that can challenge me, I jump at the chance to see what it can do.
Such is the case with NixOS. This from-scratch Linux distribution isn’t nearly as difficult as Gentoo, but it’s not quite as user-friendly as Ubuntu. Where does that leave it? I’d say somewhere between Ubuntu and Arch Linux.
You’ll find two official versions of NixOS — one with GNOME and one with Plasma Desktop. During the installation, you’ll be offered the opportunity to install from a list of different desktop environments.
