Discover the underappreciated aspects of NixOS and its growing popularity. Covering relevant events like the Fostom conference and Nix OS. Transitioning to Nix OS and ensuring system compliance and security. Exploring Snowflake OS, a beginner-friendly distribution of NixOS. Learning from NixOS and Bitcoin sponsorships. Optimizing builds and exploring arm64 install. Linux installations and the network CD-ROM solution.
Snowflake OS aims to make NixOS more accessible by providing a user-friendly software experience.
The Bitcoin Company allows users to spend Bitcoin on gift certificates and online services without the need for on-chain confirmations.
Snowflake OS introduces a graphical installer, a user-friendly software center, and advanced configuration options to make NixOS more approachable for beginners.
Deep dives
Snowflake OS: A Beginner-Friendly Version of NixOS
Snowflake OS is a version of NixOS designed to be user-friendly for beginners while still offering advanced options. It features a graphical installer called icicle and a software center for easy installation of packages. The default desktop environment is GNOME, and it includes a variety of pre-installed applications. Snowflake OS uses flakes, a new configuration format introduced in NixOS 21.05, making it easier to manage system configurations. Users can choose from different kernel options, including long-term support and the latest kernel. The project is still in an alpha stage, but it shows promise in making NixOS more accessible to a wider audience.
Software experience and installation
Snowflake OS provides a user-friendly software experience through its software center, allowing users to easily install applications with a graphical interface. It also offers the flexibility to run software without permanent installation. The installation process includes a basic and advanced mode, with advanced mode enabling users to customize their system configurations, such as hostname, root password, and kernel selection. Snowflake OS aims to strike a balance between beginner-friendliness and providing advanced options for those interested in tinkering.
The Bitcoin Company: Spending Sats with Ease
The Bitcoin Company is a platform that allows users to spend their Bitcoin (Sats) on gift certificates and online services. It supports lightning and on-chain transactions, making it convenient for users to spend their Bitcoin. The platform offers a wide range of options, including Airbnb gift cards, which are useful for booking accommodations during trips. The Bitcoin Company provides a seamless experience for individuals who want to spend their Sats without the need for on-chain confirmations.
Impressions and Benefits of Snowflake OS
Snowflake OS presents a compelling approach to making NixOS more approachable for beginners. The project introduces a graphical installer, a user-friendly software center, and advanced configuration options. These conveniences, along with the power of NixOS's immutable rollbacks and extensive software selection, make Snowflake OS an enticing choice for both newcomers and experienced users. While still in an alpha stage, Snowflake OS shows promise in providing an intuitive and customizable NixOS experience for a wider audience.
Open-source Spotify client for desktop and Android
Spotube is an open-source Spotify client that doesn't require premium on Spotify and is available for both desktop and Android. It offers a better alternative to the official Spotify app, which often uses electron and a web service. Spotube provides a smoother and more lightweight experience for Spotify users on Linux.
Cross-platform Apple Music client
Cider is an open-source, cross-platform Apple Music client that offers a better experience than the official Apple Music app on Linux. It claims to be built from scratch with performance in mind and provides a more optimized and reliable Apple Music experience on Linux. Cider is available as a Flatpak and potentially as an Android app.
Trying NixOS can be fraught with complexity, half-completed guides, and boring videos. Even if you never plan to switch to NixOS, we invite you to come along for a hype-free ride that digs into one of the most rapidly developing areas of Linux.
Southern California Linux Expo 21x — SCaLE is the largest community-run open-source and free software conference in North America. It is held annually in the greater Los Angeles area.
FOSDEM 2024 - Feb 3-4 — FOSDEM is a free event for software developers to meet, share ideas and collaborate. Every year, thousands of developers of free and open source software from all over the world gather at the event in Brussels. You don't need to register. Just turn up and join in!
Getting started with NixOS by Mike Kelly — I previously wrote Why do people love NixOS so much? to try and explain the advantages of using Nix. So now let’s dive in and actually do an install!
Zero to Nix — Your guide to learning Nix and flakes.
