nixos-config/INSTALL.md

Installation Guide

This guide covers the standard process for installing this NixOS configuration on any host.

1. Boot & Partitioning

Boot the NixOS Unstable ISO.

Disk Layout

Consult the machine-specific README for the recommended partition and subvolume layout:

• Electra Setup Specifics
• Lena Setup Specifics

Mounting Example (Assuming Btrfs)

# Mount your root to /mnt and create subvolumes as needed
# Ensure your EFI partition is mounted at /mnt/boot

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2. Installation Steps

Step 1: Clone the Repository

Clone this repo into the installation environment so the installer can access the flake.

nix-shell -p git --run "git clone https://git.nimmog.uk/nimmo/nixos-config.git /mnt/etc/nixos"

Step 2: Generate Hardware Configuration

NixOS needs to know about your physical drive IDs and modules.

nixos-generate-config --root /mnt

Step 3: Organize Configuration

Move the generated file into the host-specific directory.

# Replace HOSTNAME with electra or lena
mv /mnt/etc/nixos/hardware-configuration.nix /mnt/etc/nixos/hosts/HOSTNAME/hardware-configuration.nix

Step 4: Execute Install

# Replace HOSTNAME with electra or lena
nixos-install --flake /mnt/etc/nixos#HOSTNAME

Step 5: Finalize

Set your user password before rebooting.

nixos-enter --passwd nimmo
reboot

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3. Post-Installation

Once logged into your new system, move the configuration to its permanent home for easier management.

mkdir -p ~/Scripts
sudo mv /etc/nixos ~/Scripts/nixos-config
sudo chown -R nimmo:users ~/Scripts/nixos-config

Applying Changes

From now on, any changes made to the files in ~/Scripts/nixos-config can be applied with:

sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .#HOSTNAME