I have long identified as a Windows user, but my recent foray into other operating systems has been quite enlightening. Last year, I acquired a MacBook, which I have utilized extensively for work. However, my personal machine has primarily operated on Windows, complemented by a dual-boot setup with Linux. My penchant for experimenting with different software stems from both enjoyment and the demands of my profession. Recently, I made a significant decision: I transitioned from Windows to NixOS as my primary operating system. After a year or two of using this Linux distribution intermittently, I found myself increasingly drawn to it, ultimately deciding to fully embrace NixOS. Now, after a month of dedicated use, I can confidently say that the experience has exceeded my expectations.
Linux is now better than ever
The landscape of desktop operating systems is shifting, and Linux is making notable strides. While Windows continues to dominate with a market share of 72.13% and macOS holds 15.46%, Linux is carving out its niche. Recent statistics reveal an average of 1.6 billion sessions over the past month, with Linux users accounting for 5.4% of all visitors according to the US federal government’s Digital Analytics Program (DAP) in 2025. This growth can be attributed to a growing recognition that many Linux distributions are more user-friendly than previously thought. While some may still perceive Linux as complex, distributions like Linux Mint and Ubuntu are designed with beginners in mind. Although NixOS may not be the most beginner-friendly option, its functional interface offers a refreshing alternative to the cluttered user experience often associated with Windows.
NixOS has its charms
My decision to switch to NixOS was not made lightly; I was intrigued by its unique approach compared to other Linux distributions. NixOS allows users to manage the entire system through a single configuration file, offering an impressive level of control. The ability to implement atomic changes and reliable rollbacks alleviates the anxiety of potentially breaking the system. If an issue arises, reverting to a previous state is straightforward, and users are not compelled to update their systems automatically, unlike Windows.
Another compelling reason for my transition was the desire to avoid the common dependency issues that plague other distributions. NixOS effectively isolates each package in its own environment, mitigating conflicts that can arise from incompatible libraries. The overall experience is characterized by a clean and predictable system. Only the applications I have configured load upon startup, and updates occur solely with my consent. Upon logging into KDE Plasma, I find all my essential applications—such as Firefox, LibreOffice, and Steam—ready for use, functioning seamlessly as they would on any other distribution.
Most of the apps are supported
Over the years, Linux has made significant advancements in terms of productivity and creative software. Many free and open-source tools now serve as robust alternatives to their paid counterparts available on Windows. While some major applications like Photoshop and Premiere Pro are not supported, I find that I can effectively utilize open-source alternatives such as GIMP and Inkscape when needed. One of the standout features of NixOS is its approach to application updates. Unlike traditional systems where app updates are tied to system updates, NixOS allows for individual application updates without impacting the entire system. Tools like nix-env facilitate user-level package management, while system-level updates can be pinned to specific versions using snapshots from the Nix packages repository.
Moreover, the separation of system and user environments enhances flexibility. Users can update individual applications within their profiles using nix-env, without affecting the broader system. This capability extends to pinning the entire system configuration to a specific commit, such as a GitHub snapshot of nixpkgs.
Windows is easily replaceable
As Microsoft shifts its focus away from Windows, prioritizing Azure cloud services and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings like Microsoft 365, the relevance of Windows is diminishing. In contrast, Linux is emerging as a more appealing option for users seeking a robust and flexible operating system.
