Discover the new features of Nitrux 3.0.0, the Linux distribution redefining the desktop experience.
It has been almost a year since we reviewed Nitrux OS. The last review of Nitrux 2.0 was not that great since I faced a few challenges.
Since then, Nitrux has been steadily gaining acclaim for its unique features and stunning aesthetics has just unveiled its 3.0.0 release. Let’s dive in and explore what’s new and improved in Nitrux 3.0.0 – codenamed “ut.”
Table of Contents
About Nitrux
Nitrux’s foundation is based on Debian, known for its appimage-based offerings. But what truly sets Nitrux apart is its custom NX Desktop environment. This tweaked version of the KDE Plasma desktop is a visual feast, incorporating Plasmoid, KStyle themes, and Maui Kit-based components.
The result? An out-of-the-box Linux distribution that’s both strikingly beautiful and user-friendly.
Nitrux 3.0.0: What’s New
Let’s quickly recap what’s new before we do the installation and find out about it.
The major highlights of this release are the upgrades of the Nitrux Update Tool System to 1.1.3 and the kernel Boot version to 0.0.7. The update system solidifies the current upgrade process by introducing a new rescue mode leveraging Zsatadard.
In addition, linux-firmware package is upgraded with the latest code base, including AMD open source driver for Vulkan and NVIDIA 64-bit display drivers.
Under the hood, the Mauikit framework is upgraded to 3.0.1, powering the NX Desktop and Maui apps.
Furthermore, the following new components are added to this major release of Nitrux 3.0.0:
- Mime-type and sidebar icons upgraded to Luv.
- KWallermanager is added with PAM integration.
- KGpg is added to help you manage your GPG keys inside Nitrux.
Nitrux 3.0.0: Review
Installation
Getting Nitrux up and running is a breeze thanks to its modified & upgraded Calamares installer. Booting from the ISO, you’ll find a LIVE desktop that provides easy access to the installation shortcut. The inclusion of the additional Kernel boot option ensures a smooth installation process.
First look
Nitrux’s aesthetics are on par with some of the most visually appealing Linux distributions available today, including Deepin and others. The winning combination of KDE Plasma, Plasmoid, KStyle themes, and Maui Kit components creates an interface that’s both pleasing to the eye and well-organized. With pre-configured elements like the customized KDE Plasma panel at the bottom and a clean top bar, Nitrux offers an attractive and efficient workspace.
Customization is at your fingertips, thanks to KDE Plasma’s flexibility. You can easily switch between dark and light modes through the settings, and the default font, Fire Sans, adds to the overall polished look. Nitrux 3.0 features the latest KDE Plasma 5.27+, KDE Framework 5.108, and liquiorix Kernel 6.4, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest Linux driver support.
Nitrux defaults to the Wayland display server, and X11 is available under the hood if the user needs it. You can re-activate X11 using this step.
Applications at your fingertips
Nitrux opts for the AppImage format for application distribution, and most of the pre-installed apps follow this format. In addition, a few KDE apps are native packages. They are all seamlessly integrated into the desktop environment, with Nitrux even detecting externally downloaded AppImages in your Downloads folder for installation.
Among the pre-installed native Maui applications are:
- Index File Manager
- Station Terminal
- Pix Image Viewer
- Nota Text Editor
- NX Software Center
- Buho note taking application
- Clip media player
For basic needs, Firefox 117.0 (appimage) comes pre-installed, but you can expand your application arsenal through the NX Software Center. LibreOffice is not installed by default.
It is worth mentioning that Nitrux 3.0.0 is based on Debian rootfs with binaries and libraries from “testing” branch. So, you should be a little cautious. Also, “apt” is not installed by default since the release of version 2.6. If you need apt, you can use distrobox to install it.
Nitrux 3.0.0 uses zsh as the default shell with Oh-My-Zsh and Powerlevel10K theme.
Performance
Performance-wise, Nitrux performs moderately. In our virtual machine test, it used approximately 1.8 GB of memory at idle, with CPU usage hovering around 3% to 4%. Resource-intensive components like the Plasma-shell and KDE framework are the primary resource consumers.
Under heavy workloads – comprising a text editor, LibreOffice, file manager, image viewer, and Firefox with multiple tabs, including one playing a YouTube video – Nitrux will exhibit resource usage peaking at higher numbers from the above idle baseline.
While this may seem a bit demanding, it’s worth noting that the out-of-the-box customizations, including customized Plasma panel and Kvuntum themes, contribute to this resource usage. Even so, Nitrux 3.0.0 performance remains good.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, Nitrux 3.0.0 “ut” is a good alternative for those who adore the KDE Plasma environment and desire a visually stunning, out-of-the-box experience. Its Debian-base makes it an attractive option for users who value the latest packages without the complexities of systemd (it uses OpenRC).
However, I must issue a caveat to absolute newcomers. Nitrux, while impressive, might pose challenges for the new users in Linux.
If you possess some familiarity with Linux and the command line, Nitrux 3.0.0 is a stellar daily driver option.
Overall, this release performed very well compared to my last review. Things are stable and well towards a better future for Nitrux.
You can give it a try by downloading it from the official website.
