NixOS is a modern and flexible GNU/Linux-based distribution that is both archaic to install and maddening to set up. That combination makes NixOS a reach too far for new users. That result may be an unintended consequence for a Linux operating system that is built around a very novel design approach. It is far more complex than other innovating options such as Qubes Linux, which is designed for heightened security, and rigid Arch Linux distros that lack a graphical user interface for managing installations.
I appreciate this article. I was using telegram desktop and on the ghostbsd area, this OS was brought up. I guess one had used it and very much liked it. I had downloaded version 18.09 and was going to try it out and came across your article which helped me make sure if I do try it to have time on my hand. I figured like others that I have installed it would be an easy process. I had installed Arch back in the day but used the easy install guide which was still a lot of steps but at the time was dooable. The one I have not had luck with installing in Gentoo. Since then a lot of the arch based distributions have made the installation easier to install. I am glad for this article in that it lets me know that I will have steps to do which I have not done in a long time and I can prepare for this so that I can enjoy the experience when I get around to doing it.
> You cannot just burn the ISO files onto a DVD
and boot into a fully functional live session.
Nor can you create a VirtualBox session to try
out NixOS. Either way, you must partition and
run various commands manually for a full
installation.
Unless I am misunderstanding, I don't think this is true. Both ISOs and VirtualBox OVAs are provided from the NixOS website:
For the sake of quickly comparing the usual burn and run process to what NixOS requires, I may have created the impression that I merely tried to burn the ISO files onto A DVD and boot from the DVD. I erred on the side of brevity. I thought that my comparison was clear. Sorry for creating that wrong impression.
I would even say, that the bare live-CD-system shows the strength of NIXOS: If you want to use a program, just install it.
The system tries to give the control over the installation to the user. That means a very spartan system when you start, but it's easy to extend as you like (without root privileges).
I read, and then re-read your entire article.
When I get through with this comment, I'm going to read it again.
Thank you for your clear exposition of ALL the characteristics of this OS. It seems to me that this a cross between a UNIX, with its inherent flexibility; an real Arch; and a KNOPPIX--all tied together with KDE.
Along with very assiduously pointing out most of the negatives of this distro--having ONLY to do with ease-of-use, as far as I can determine--you have detailed EXACTLY why this has the potential for being a great distro choice.
If the creators are determined, and polish the usability aspect, this looks like a very solid choice for a lot of people.
What a great piece of tech writing and review, and obvious hard work on your part. Please keep up the outstanding work.
Wormwood, thank you for your comments and your interest in our LinuxInsider reviews. I am pleased that my work hit its mark. Best wishes and continnued success in using the Linux OS.
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Nix This Innovative OS for Its Uninviting Complexity
Posted by: Jack M. Germain April 19, 2018 11:19 AMNixOS is a modern and flexible GNU/Linux-based distribution that is both archaic to install and maddening to set up. That combination makes NixOS a reach too far for new users. That result may be an unintended consequence for a Linux operating system that is built around a very novel design approach. It is far more complex than other innovating options such as Qubes Linux, which is designed for heightened security, and rigid Arch Linux distros that lack a graphical user interface for managing installations.
> You cannot just burn the ISO files onto a DVD
and boot into a fully functional live session.
Nor can you create a VirtualBox session to try
out NixOS. Either way, you must partition and
run various commands manually for a full
installation.
Unless I am misunderstanding, I don't think this is true. Both ISOs and VirtualBox OVAs are provided from the NixOS website:
https://nixos.org/nixos/download.html
The system tries to give the control over the installation to the user. That means a very spartan system when you start, but it's easy to extend as you like (without root privileges).
When I get through with this comment, I'm going to read it again.
Thank you for your clear exposition of ALL the characteristics of this OS. It seems to me that this a cross between a UNIX, with its inherent flexibility; an real Arch; and a KNOPPIX--all tied together with KDE.
Along with very assiduously pointing out most of the negatives of this distro--having ONLY to do with ease-of-use, as far as I can determine--you have detailed EXACTLY why this has the potential for being a great distro choice.
If the creators are determined, and polish the usability aspect, this looks like a very solid choice for a lot of people.
What a great piece of tech writing and review, and obvious hard work on your part. Please keep up the outstanding work.