Episode 11: NixOS: The Distro That Thinks Code

For many Linux users, configuration means dotfiles, bash scripts, and duct tape. But what if your entire system, from packages to users to services could be described, versioned, and rolled back like code? In this episode of The IT Guy Show, Eric is joined by Aaron Honeycutt to demystify NixOS, the declarative, reproducible Linux distribution that’s changing how people think about system configuration. We’ll cover what makes NixOS different, how to get started without pulling your hair out, and how this distro fits into modern DevOps, home lab, and desktop workflows. If you’ve ever heard the term “declarative infrastructure” and wondered what it actually looks like in practice, this is your chance to find out. Welcome to The IT Guy Show, your go-to destination for all things tech with Eric, your friendly neighborhood IT guy! Join Eric as he shares his wealth of knowledge, insights, and experiences gained from years of working in the IT industry. From troubleshooting common tech issues to exploring the latest trends and innovations, each episode is packed with practical tips, skilled advice, and engaging discussions. Connect with me! https://linktr.ee/itguyeric Join our: Discord: https://itguyeric.com/discord Matrix: https://matrix.to/#/#podcast-itguyeric:matrix.org Connect with Aaron: https://aaron.honeycutt.family Inside a NixOS Homelab: Real-World Walkthrough with Aaron Honeycutt https://youtu.be/pQTiucyjIjc NixOS: https://nixos.org NixOS Discord: https://discord.com/invite/RbvHtGa Medium - What is Nix / NixOS: https://medium.com/@Erik_Krieg/what-is-nix-nixos-aab5610f0d7f Chapters: 00:00 Stream Start 00:15 Welcome 01:05 Aaron Honeycutt 02:23 What is NixOS 04:14 How is it different? 06:20 What’s the learning curve? 12:20 Contributing to NixOS 16:59 The Future 23:38 Outro Graphics and bumpers by Free Hive Agency Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash