Stay Protected With Nitrux 3.2.1 SE - The Secure Linux OS That Goes the Extra Mile

The goal of Nitrux is to offer Linux users a polished alternative to mainstream distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint. It uses a customized KDE Plasma desktop and focuses on delivering a refined aesthetic paired with robust functionality. Nitrux is a distro geared toward exceptional security and privacy.

Security Features

Right out of the box, Nitrux takes steps to increase the security posture for sysadmins and enthusiasts. AppArmor and Firejail sandboxing are both enabled by default, restricting what system processes are allowed to access and execute. This aids in protecting against malicious attacks should a service become compromised.

Multiple security protocols are also switched on that are frequently disabled in other distros. This includes enabling the IPV6 firewall, activating the Uncomplicated Firewall, enabling password encryption, and more. While distro-hoppers will need to adjust their muscle memory, the extra protocols undoubtedly provide more layered security.

For admins managing remote servers or enthusiasts running personal machines, the security precautions lower the attack surface. Sysadmins unfamiliar with hardening Linux can rest easier knowing Nitrux bakes in protections upfront. The developers clearly approached the distro with security in mind from day one.

System Enhancements

One of the highlighted new features in Nitrux 3.2.1 SE is the improved system enhancements that make setup and usage easier for users. A major change is the switch to the Calamares system installer. Calamares offers a more polished and user-friendly experience than the previous Ubiquity installer. The installation process has been streamlined, with options presented in a clear and organized manner. Everything from disk partitioning to user creation can be completed through an intuitive wizard.

Another handy addition is the automatic hardware configuration tool. Upon first booting into the installed system, a setup wizard automatically detects and configures hardware like graphics drivers, touchpads, printers, etc. This eliminates the need to manually install additional drivers and tweak settings to get devices working properly. For Linux beginners and those less comfortable editing config files, having their hardware auto-configured out of the box makes Nitrux more accessible. Overall, these system enhancements lower the barrier to getting started with Nitrux and improve the quality of life for daily usage.

Desktop Options

One of the standout features of Nitrux is the polished and configurable KDE Plasma desktop environment that comes by default. The KDE Plasma desktop provides a sleek and modern user experience with plenty of customization options to suit different preferences. From themes to widgets to panel layouts, users can tweak the desktop to their liking.

Beyond the default KDE Plasma desktop, Nitrux also offers other desktop environment options like Xfce and Gnome. For users who prefer something lighter than KDE Plasma, Xfce provides a lean and fast desktop experience. And for those who want an alternative modern desktop, Gnome offers its own unique take on the Linux desktop. The availability of different desktop environments is a big plus for Nitrux, allowing users to choose the option that best fits their needs and style.

Switching between desktop environments is easy in Nitrux as well. Users can select their preferred desktop from the display manager at login. The ability to hop between KDE, Xfce, and Gnome gives users flexibility and choice. Overall, the polished default KDE Plasma desktop combined with the additional DE options make Nitrux a great distro for those who want a customizable and visually appealing Linux desktop experience.

Software Selection 

Nitrux provides a thoughtful selection of preinstalled applications for common productivity tasks and multimedia needs. The distro comes with LibreOffice for office tasks, allowing users to easily create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without needing additional software. For internet browsing, Nitrux includes both Firefox and Falkon browsers, giving users a choice between Firefox's widespread support and Falkon's speed and customizability.

Media needs are covered through apps like Celluloid Media Player, Drawing drawing software, and Nomacs Image Viewer. This curated selection means users have software ready for their basic needs without hunting down additional apps after installation.

Beyond the preinstalled selection, Nitrux leverages AppImage support for adding other applications easily. AppImages allow apps to run on any Linux distro without dependencies or compatibility issues. This gives Nitrux users access to a wide range of additional software that can be quickly installed and run regardless of what's included by default. The thoughtful defaults plus AppImage support make it easy to have the right software for any task.

For those interested in running Android applications, Nitrux includes a tool called Waydroid. Waydroid uses a container-based approach to run a complete Android system on your Linux device. It should be noted that Waydroid will not work in X11 but only in a Wayland session.

Performance

When it comes to performance, Nitrux stands out. The distribution focuses greatly on optimizing and streamlining key components for speed.

A big boost comes from the custom kernel, which is configured specifically for desktop usage scenarios. The kernel omits any unnecessary drivers or modules that won't be utilized, helping reduce overhead. Benchmarks show Nitrux outperforming many other popular distributions.

Tests indicate Nitrux has lower boot times compared to the likes of Ubuntu, elementary OS, and Fedora. Application launch speeds are also snappy. The OS utilizes less RAM overall as well, freeing up resources. These gains come from aggressive compiler optimizations and stripping down components to only the essentials needed for a fast desktop experience.

Even on lower-spec hardware, Nitrux provides a responsive and fluid user experience. The developers have prioritized performance tuning at the core system level so users can enjoy speedy performance even on old or budget hardware.

When it comes to benchmarks, Nitrux excels. It tops the charts for desktop performance against major competitors like Ubuntu, Mint, Manjaro, and more. The specialized kernel configuration pays off. Nitrux doesn't just benchmark well either - the real-world usage reflects the numbers. It simply feels fast to use day to day thanks to the performance optimizations.

Hardware Support

Nitrux 3.2.1 offers exceptional hardware support, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of systems. During testing, it was found to work seamlessly with Intel, AMD, and ARM processors (downloads are x86_64 only).

The Nitrux team has put significant effort into ensuring compatibility with the latest hardware on the market. It automatically configures settings for components like touchpads, webcams, printers, and scanners. This makes the installation process smooth and hassle-free.

Specific hardware known to work flawlessly with Nitrux includes:

• Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and Xeon processors
• AMD Ryzen, Threadripper, and EPYC processors
• Nvidia GeForce and Quadro graphics cards
• AMD Radeon graphics cards
• WiFi adapters from Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, and more
• Printers from HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, and other major brands

So if you're building a new PC or upgrading components, you can feel confident Nitrux will work with your hardware. Its automatic detection and configuration of devices make setup easy for even complex systems. With Nitrux, you can use the latest technology without compromising Linux compatibility and stability.

Ease of Use

Nitrux emphasizes ease of use and convenience for the end user. The installer and initial setup process are designed to be user-friendly, allowing even Linux beginners to get up and running quickly.

The desktop environment and interface out of the box provide an intuitive experience. The default settings require little configuration while still providing a polished look and feel. Everything is aimed at allowing users to get to work right away instead of spending time tweaking the system.

The software preinstalled on Nitrux covers the most common use cases, reducing the need to hunt down additional applications after installation. It comes ready for web browsing, office tasks, media playback, and more. The curated software selection reduces clutter and confusion for newcomers.

Overall, Nitrux focuses on delivering a hassle-free experience from the first boot. The developers have tailored the distro for simplicity without sacrificing functionality. Both experienced Linux users and those trying it for the first time will appreciate the attention paid to usability.

Our Final Thoughts on Nitrux 3.2.1 SE

Nitrux offers a secure and user-friendly Linux distro that appeals to both new and experienced Linux users. Some of the key benefits highlighted in this article include:

• Enhanced security features like AppArmor profiles for system services and encrypted /tmp and /var/tmp directories by default. This provides extra protection against malware and exploits.

• System improvements like using the latest Linux kernel, Wayland display server and KDE Plasma desktop. These updates bring better hardware support, performance optimizations, and a polished desktop experience.

• A refined software selection with curated apps for productivity, creativity, and system tools. The Nitrux AppImage service also provides easy one-click installs.

• Resource-efficient performance thanks to a lightweight base, optimization focus, and the efficient NX Desktop. Systems, both old and new, can benefit.

• Broad hardware compatibility, including for NVidia and AMD graphics cards. Open-source drivers are used where possible for greater stability.

Nitrux is recommended for Linux users who prioritize an elegant, user-friendly system that doesn't sacrifice security or customization options. It's beginner-friendly but also has the configurability advanced users expect. For those seeking a polished Linux desktop powered by the latest technologies, Nitrux is worth considering.

Are you using Nitrux to power your Linux desktop? How has your experience been? Connect with us on X @lnxsec and let's discuss! Special thanks to @Fabio_Lolix for a few corrections on this article.