NixOS Manual Preface

# Preface {#preface} This manual describes how to install, use and extend NixOS, a Linux distribution based on the purely functional package management system [Nix](https://nixos.org/nix), that is composed using modules and packages defined in the [Nixpkgs](https://nixos.org/nixpkgs) project. Additional information regarding the Nix package manager and the Nixpkgs project can be found in respectively the [Nix manual](https://nixos.org/nix/manual) and the [Nixpkgs manual](https://nixos.org/nixpkgs/manual). If you encounter problems, please report them on the [`Discourse`](https://discourse.nixos.org), the [Matrix room](https://matrix.to/#/%23nix:nixos.org), or on the [`#nixos` channel on Libera.Chat](irc://irc.libera.chat/#nixos). Alternatively, consider [contributing to this manual](#chap-contributing). Bugs should be reported in [NixOS’ GitHub issue tracker](https://github.com/NixOS/nixpkgs/issues). ::: {.note} Commands prefixed with `#` have to be run as root, either requiring to login as root user or temporarily switching to it using `sudo` for example. :::

This document serves as the preface to the NixOS manual, detailing its scope to cover the installation, usage, and extension of NixOS, a Linux distribution built upon the Nix package management system and Nixpkgs. It directs users to dedicated manuals for Nix and Nixpkgs for further information. The preface also provides resources for support, including Discourse, Matrix, IRC, and GitHub for bug reports, and encourages contributions to the manual. A key note clarifies that commands prefixed with '#' require root privileges.