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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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Vanilla OS screenshot

Vanilla OS

Vanilla OS, a fixed-release distribution based on Debian (formerly Ubuntu, prior to version 2) with the GNOME desktop, is an immutable operating system. The core parts of the system are locked down to prevent unwanted changes and corruption from third-party applications or a faulty update.

Technical Specs Comparison
NixOSVanilla OS
IndependentBaseDebian
nix / nixpkgPackage Managerdeb (APT)
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Fixed ReleaseRelease ModelFixed Release
26.05Latest Version22.10
AdvancedDifficultyIntermediate
May 30, 2026Release DateJuly 28, 2024
ARM64x86_64
Architecture
ARM64x86_64
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfce
Desktops
AwesomeCOSMICEnlightenmentFluxboxGNOMEi3IceWMKDE PlasmalabwcLXQtmangowmRatpoisonWayfireXfce