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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Jump from Arch to NixOS? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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As the title implies, should I do it? I love Arch so far, and I can fix most issues that pop out. However, I sometimes wish to start fresh without too much hassle, but I get a feeling NixOS isn't as mature as Arch.

Have any of you used both, and if so, what do you miss from Arch? What are you grateful for in NixOS?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Your reason of "wish to start fresh" doesn't sound compelling.

Arch is stable, and works great. Biggest draw for NixOS is packages. I don't think NixOS has anything to offer in packages that I can't get in Arch. I'll not advocate switching to an experimental distro with who knows what other headache, just because I can run Debian or rpm packages. Not for a daily driver.

Do it only if you are bored or something.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I think the biggest draw for Nix is configuration.nix and being able to centralize your system configuration. I personally find the AUR to be better in terms of software, especially from GitHub.

I agree that people shouldn't jump blind into Nix without first getting to grips with it though a VM or something, tho. The learning curve is quite steep.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I absolutely jumped straight in lol it's not too bad as long as you have some time to read the wiki and play around

Default configuration the installer generates is good to get you going

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah, if you have the time and the inclination to sit down and learn how Nix operates, then you'll be fine.

For myself, I realized that I am happier tinkering with it now and again rather than running it as a daily driver OS.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I can't imagine using anything else at this point tbh, it's been the smoothest, cleanest experience I've ever had on Linux

It's the one that finally made me abandon windows completely and stop distro hopping