NixOS Starter Pack
NixOS represents a paradigm shift in Linux system management through declarative configuration and functional package management. This course guides you through the fundamentals.
Ready to discover a completely different approach to Linux?
NixOS is an advanced Linux distro that has been built from scratch. With the focus on immutability, it differs significantly from the average general-purpose Linux distribution.
NixOS isn't just another distribution—it's a revolutionary way to manage your system that eliminates configuration drift, dependency conflicts, and the fear of breaking your setup.
Different can quickly become overwhelming. And that's the reason why we created this course to guide you in your NixOS exploration. It will take you from curious beginner to confident NixOS user, providing the essential foundation you need.
This is a curated form of the NixOS tutorial series available on It's FOSS. It's FOSS Plus platform organizes tutorials into course format for an ad-free streamlined learning for our premium members.
What You'll Learn
Chapter 1: Why Use NixOS
Think! Do you need to install NixOS? Why would you go out of your comfort zone to try something that is not mainstream? Discover what makes NixOS unique and why thousands of developers and system administrators are making the switch.
Chapter 2: Installing NixOS
Since you are trying a new distro which you may or may not like, it would be wise to install it in a virtual machine first.
This way, you get to try it without disturbing your current setup. I find it the safest way to try a new distribution.
Chapter 3: Using NixOS Package Manager
The strongest point of NixOS is its package manager. But it's not anywhere close to APT or DNF in simplicity and this is why you need to learn its working. This tutorial helps you with that.
Chapter 4: Things to Do After Installing NixOS
Essential post-installation setup including system configuration, user management, services, and optimizing your NixOS experience for daily use.
Chapter 5: Using Home Manager
The Nix package manager is good for a single-user system. If you are running multiple users, home manager is an excellent way to cater the needs of every user separately.
Of course, the learning doesn't stop here and there is more to the NixOS. But this should give you the required basic building block.
Enjoy NixOS!