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liminalOS
This is a repository that implements liminalOS, my personal Linux distribution based on NixOS.
Traditional Linux distributions are either rolling or fixed release. liminalOS operates on a new kind of release schedule: liminal release.
lim·i·nal
2. relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process.
Users who install liminalOS may feel a sense of eeriness similar to a liminal space - the system has clearly been configured exactly according to someone's preferences and specifications, yet they stand alone in an empty OS, with the usual user nowhere to be found, and a home directory devoid of human presence. System updates are released at random times, and upon installing, it appears that someone has adjusted minute configuration details, yet no other users exist in the system.
Installation guide
TBD. May use deploy-rs or the in-house dartgun tool for easy deployment.
FAQ
This looks like a collection of NixOS configuration files and modules. What makes it a distinct distribution?
Most Linux1 users will agree that any self-respecting distribution must include at least the following: installer, package manager, and some set of default packages. Therefore, anything that implements the aforementioned items must also be a Linux distribution.
liminalOS comes with the Nix package manager (nobody said you need a unique package manager - Ubuntu and Debian are distinct distributions yet both use apt), a custom desktop environment composed of Waybar, Hyprland, rofi, as well as various applications installed by default, and the means to generate an installer. Therefore, liminalOS is a Linux distribution. QED.2
Should I actually install this?
No.
Hosts
The modules in liminalOS are designed to be utilized by a wide variety of machine configurations, including via nix-darwin on macOS. To that end, modules are organized by operating system (darwin vs. linux), architecture (x86_64 vs. aarch-64), and form factor (desktop vs laptop). Anything that is agnostic of these distinctions is considered a "common module" and allows configuration to be shared between the various host types. This generally includes core programs like CLI tools, the window manager, etc.
The flake.nix currently contains configuration for three hosts:
- "callisto": a Macbook Pro M1 (2021) running under Asahi Linux. Imports the laptop module sets as well as the core NixOS module sets.
- "demeter": a custom desktop with an i7-13700KF and RTX 4080. Imports the desktop module, the core NixOS modules, and additionally the gaming module.
- "phobos": Macbook Pro M1 (2021) running macOS with nix-darwin. Imports the core home-manager module as well as some darwin-specific modules for window managers and the like.
Keybinds
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Super + W | Toggle floating |
| Super + J | Toggle layout |
| Super + E | Open Dolphin |
| Super + T | Open kitty |
| Super + F | Open librewolf |
| Super + R | Open pavucontrol |
| Super + Space | Open rofi |
| Super + Backspace | Open logout menu |
| Super + P | Screenshot region |
| Super + YUIO | Move around |
| Super + Ctrl + YO | Move workspaces |
| Super + Alt + Ctrl + YUIO | Move windows around workspaces |
| Super + Shift + Ctrl + YUIO | Move windows around |
| Super + S | Open Special Workspace |
| Super + Enter | Fullscreen Window |
| Super + Alt + S | Move Window to Special Workspace |