NixOS ZDNET's key takeaways NixOS is an open-source operating system that is available to install and use for free.
It offers several desktop environments to choose from, is as rock-solid as any OS on the market, and performs quite well.
However, there's a fairly steep learning curve for installing non-free software. View now at Nixos
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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.
Also: This Linux distro has one of the smartest security features I've seen (and I've tested dozens)
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.
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