/nixbook

Primary LanguageShell

nixbook os logo

Convert your old computer (even chromebook) to a user friendly, lightweight, durable, and auto updating operating system build on top of NixOS.

The goal is to create a "chromebook like" unbreakable computer to give to basic users who know nothing about Linux and won't need to ever worry about updates / upgrades.

The default nixbook version:

  • 32 gigs of storage and 4 gigs of ram recommended
  • configured cinnamon desktop and firefox base
  • Chrome, Zoom, and Libreoffice installed by default flathub enabled out of the box.
  • Automatic weekly OS updates with 4 weeks of roll backs
  • Daily flatpak updates

The nixbook lite version:

  • 16 gigs of storage and 2 gigs of ram recommended
  • configured cinnamon desktop and firefox base
  • Automatic weekly updates with 2 weeks of roll backs

Screenshot from 2024-10-22 10-31-24

Step 1: Install NixOS, and choose the No Desktop option.

Screenshot from 2024-10-12 10-24-21

Step 2: Enable unfree software

Screenshot from 2024-10-12 10-24-31

Step 3: Format your drive however you like (erase disk, swap, no hibernate)

Screenshot from 2024-10-12 10-24-44

Step 4: Reboot, login, and connect to wifi, then hit ESC

nmtui

Step 5: Go to /etc and nix-shell git

cd /etc/
nix-shell -p git

Step 6: Clone the nixbook repo (make sure you run as sudo and you're in /etc!)

sudo git clone https://github.com/mkellyxp/nixbook

Step 7: Run the install script (run this with NO sudo)

cd nixbook
./install.sh

or for nixbook lite

cd nixbook
./install_lite.sh

Step 8: Enjoy nixbook!

You can always manually run updates by running Update and Reboot in the menu.

If you want to completely reset this nixbook, wipe off your personal data to give it to someone else, or start fresh, run Powerwash from the menu.

Notes:

  • The Nix channel will be updated from this git config once tested, and will auto apply to your machine within a week
  • Simply reboot for OS updates to apply.
  • Don't modify the .nix files in this repo, as they'll get overwritten on update. If you want to customize, put your nix changes directly into /etc/nixos/configuration.nix

Screenshot from 2024-10-12 10-40-07

Screenshot from 2024-10-12 10-40-36

This is a passion project of mine, that I'm using for friends, family, and my local community at large. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please feel free to open an issue, pull request or just message me.