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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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KaOS screenshot

KaOS

KaOS is a desktop Linux distribution that features the latest version of the Noctalia desktop environment, the Calligra office suite, and other popular software applications that use the Qt toolkit. It was inspired by Arch Linux, but the developers build their own packages which are available from in-house repositories.

Technical Specs Comparison
NixOSKaOS
IndependentBaseIndependent
nix / nixpkgPackage Managerpacman / pkg
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Fixed ReleaseRelease ModelRolling Release
26.05Latest Version2026.02
AdvancedDifficultyIntermediate
May 30, 2026Release DateFebruary 15, 2026
ARM64x86_64
Architecture
ARM64x86_64
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfceniriNoctalia
Desktops
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfceniriNoctalia