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NixOS screenshot

NixOS

NixOS is an independently developed GNU/Linux distribution that aims to improve the state of the art in system configuration management. In NixOS, the entire operating system, including the kernel, applications, system packages and configuration files, are built by the Nix package manager.

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elementary OS screenshot

elementary OS

elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based desktop distribution. Some of its more interesting features include a custom desktop environment called Pantheon and many custom apps including Photos, Music, Videos, Calendar, Terminal, Files, and more.

Technical Specs Comparison
NixOSelementary OS
IndependentBaseDebian, Ubuntu (LTS)
nix / nixpkgPackage Managerapt / deb, flatpak
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Fixed ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
26.05Latest Version8.1
AdvancedDifficultyBeginner
May 30, 2026Release DateDecember 22, 2025
ARM64x86_64
Architecture
ARM64x86_64
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfcePantheon
Desktops
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfcePantheon