Jack WallenZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysNixOS is an open-source operating system that is available to install and use for free.It offers several desktop environments to choose from, is as rock-solid as any OS on the market, and performs quite well.However, there’s a fairly steep learning curve for installing non-free software.Before we get into this review, I want to offer some information for new Linux users. If you’re uncomfortable using the command line or diving down rabbit holes to figure out how to do something that should “just work out of the box,” then NixOS is probably not for you. Also: The Linux log files you should know and how to use themHowever, that’s not to say someone with minimal familiarity with the command line would fail with this distribution. For example, if you only need open-source software, NixOS could be a viable option. If, however, you need apps like Chrome, Slack, and Spotify, you might run into some frustration that will send you packing back to Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Windows.With that said, let’s get to what makes this distribution great. More