Installing NixOS: A Modern Approach to Linux

linux nixos system-configuration

Installing NixOS: A Modern Approach to Linux

Introduction

NixOS is a unique Linux distribution that takes a different approach to system configuration and package management. In this guide, we’ll walk through the installation process and explore some of its key features.

Prerequisites

  • A computer with at least 20GB of free disk space
  • A USB drive with at least 4GB capacity
  • Basic knowledge of Linux command line

Installation Steps

1. Creating the Installation Media

First, download the NixOS ISO from the official website. Then, use your preferred tool to create a bootable USB drive.

2. Booting into the Live Environment

Insert the USB drive and boot from it. You’ll be greeted with the NixOS live environment.

3. Partitioning the Disk

We’ll use fdisk to create the necessary partitions:

fdisk /dev/sda

4. Installing NixOS

The installation process involves several steps:

  1. Mounting the partitions
  2. Generating the NixOS configuration
  3. Installing the system

Post-Installation Configuration

After installation, you’ll want to configure your system. This includes:

  • Setting up user accounts
  • Configuring networking
  • Installing additional packages

Conclusion

NixOS offers a unique approach to system configuration that can be both powerful and challenging. With this guide, you should be able to get started with your NixOS journey.

Additional Resources