This file is then read by the distro’s Nix package management system, which then proceeds to setup your installation based on the contents of the configuration file. NixOS uses what is known as the declarative system configuration model where you define all parameters for the installation in a configuration file, such as the location of the boot loader as well as any apps you wish to use. But the illusions dissipate when the Live environment drops you to a shell from where you have to create a configuration file to setup your installation. You might mistake it for a normal distro since it is available as a Live image. NixOS is the result of a research paper and is a meta distro pretty much like Arch and Gentoo that you build from ground zero as per your requirements. Derivatives like Calculate Linux and Sabayon can be a good starting point if you’re unwilling to commit to the hardships of Gentoo. If you've never used it before, there's a steep learning curve to using Gentoo. While on one hand you get a blazingly fast installation, compiling from source takes considerably longer than using pre-compiled binaries, with the result that system updates are usually quite cumbersome and time consuming. There are of course advantages and disadvantages of compiling packages from source. The process introduces you to Linux internals and several new technologies native to Gentoo, such as the USE flags system, using which you can define the features you want a package to support. Unlike with most distros that use pre-compiled binaries, in Gentoo you have to compile all packages from source. The distro packs an awesome package management system in Portage. Gentoo is a rolling release as well that unlike Arch or any other distro, insists you inspect the kernel during installation and streamline it by removing features you don’t need. So for instance, while most desktop distros make certain choices on behalf of their users, for instance the use of Grub2 boot loader, Gentoo gives you complete control of how every part of the system is configured. With the distro users get pervasive control in building the system from scratch. All aspects, from the installation to day-to-day administration, are thoroughly documented.Īlong with Arch, Gentoo is one of the most configurable distros. The good thing about the distro is that it is very well documented. There are in fact several Arch-based distros that exist to extend the benefits of Pacman to the average desktop user. Arch is a rolling release that can be bought up to date with a single command. The most impressive feature of the distro is its package management tool Pacman. Everything from partitioning to installing the bootloader must be done manually. The installation itself will introduce you to a range of configuration files that must be set by hand. Installing Arch can take a long time depending on the number of packages you wish to install - which are all downloaded off the internet. While most distros provide a pre-packed set of apps and configuration, Arch lets you design your installation from the ground-up. In fact, Judd Vinet, the creator of Arch Linux, famously said that Arch Linux is what you make of it. Arch Linux is one of the most loved Linux distros for advanced users who want to setup their own customized installation.
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