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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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Synex screenshot

Synex

Synex is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian's "Stable" branch, developed with the official Debian Live Build tool. It offers four separate desktop options with GNOME, LXDE, KDE Plasma and Xfce, all of which are composed of a rather frugal set of applications in its default state, without any development tools or offices suites.

Technical Specs Comparison
NixOSSynex
IndependentBaseDebian (Stable), Debian (Testing)
nix / nixpkgPackage Managerapt / deb, flatpak
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Fixed ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
26.05Latest Version13
AdvancedDifficultyIntermediate
May 30, 2026Release DateDecember 21, 2025
ARM64x86_64
Architecture
ARM64x86_64
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfceLXDEMATE
Desktops
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfceLXDEMATE