ArchibaldOS

ArchibaldOS is a custom NixOS-based operating system inspired by the specifications from DeMoD LLC's Archibald project (as described on demod.ltd/archibald.html). It leverages the declarative power of NixOS for reproducible, maintainable configurations, integrated with the high-performance Musnix Real-Time (RT) kernel for low-latency audio production. This setup includes KDE Plasma as the desktop environment, Hyprland as an optional Wayland compositor, and a curated selection of the best Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) audio production tools and drivers.

Designed for audio professionals, developers, and enthusiasts, ArchibaldOS aims to provide efficiency surpassing traditional OSes like macOS and Windows, with a focus on real-time audio workloads, modular configuration, and lean system optimization.

Created by Asher LeRoy, Founder of DeMoD LLC.

Features

• Kernel: Musnix RT kernel for burst-oriented responsiveness and real-time patches, ideal for low-latency audio (e.g., <5ms in tools like Ardour). LTS backup via specialisations for reliability.
• Desktop Environment: KDE Plasma 6 with SDDM display manager for a modern, customizable interface.
• Compositor: Optional Hyprland Wayland setup with a lean configuration for performance and gestures.
• Audio Stack: PipeWire with JACK/ALSA support, RTKit for privileges, and FOSS tools like Ardour, Audacity, MuseScore, LMMS, Carla, Guitarix, and more (expanded for 2025 FOSS ecosystem).
• Packages: Curated list of ~140 essential packages for utilities, development, security, and media, mapped from the provided packages.x86_64 spec (e.g., Vim, Git, FFmpeg, LibreOffice, Bitwarden).
• Optimization: Declarative Nix flakes for reproducibility, auto-optimization, and easy rollbacks. Ignored bloat like GRUB in favor of systemd-boot.
• Security: UFW firewall, sudo configurations, and group-based realtime privileges.
• Maintainability: Modular config structure (e.g., separate modules for packages, audio, KDE) for easy extension. Post-install script for precision hardware setup during live boot.

Requirements

• x86_64 hardware (AMD/Intel CPUs supported via ucode).
• EFI boot system.
• NixOS installer ISO (download from nixos.org).
• Basic knowledge of NixOS and flakes (experimental features enabled).

Installation

1. Boot NixOS Installer:

   • Download and boot the latest NixOS minimal ISO.
   • Mount your target disk (e.g., sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt).

2. Generate Hardware Config: sudo nixos-generate-config --root /mnt This creates /mnt/etc/nixos/hardware-configuration.nix.

3. Clone the Repo: git clone https://github.com/ALH477/ArchibaldOS.git /mnt/etc/nixos cd /mnt/etc/nixos

4. Customize:

   • Edit configuration.nix for your user (e.g., replace youruser).
   • Adjust timezone, locale, or hardware specifics in configuration.nix.
   • For Hyprland, copy the example config to ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf post-install.

5. Install: sudo nixos-install --flake .#archibald Reboot into the new system.

6. Post-Install:

   • Update: nixos-rebuild switch --flake /etc/nixos#archibald.
   • Run precision setup: sudo post-install-audio-setup.sh.
   • Test audio: Run qjackctl or realtimeconfigquickscan to verify RT setup.
   • Kernel switch: sudo nixos-rebuild boot --specialisation lts-backup for LTS backup.
   • Enable Flatpak if needed: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo.

Configuration Structure

• flake.nix: Entry point with inputs (Nixpkgs unstable, Musnix for RT kernel).
• configuration.nix: Core system settings (boot, kernel, users, networking, specialisations).
• modules/:
  • packages.nix: System-wide packages from the spec.
  • audio.nix: PipeWire, JACK, RT optimizations.
  • kde.nix: KDE Plasma enablement.
  • hyprland.nix: Hyprland program enablement.
• hardware-configuration.nix: Auto-generated hardware specifics.
• post-install-audio-setup.sh: Bash script for precision hardware/audio config during live boot or post-install.
• hyprland.conf: Example Hyprland config (copy to ~/.config/hypr/).

Usage

• Rebuild System: nixos-rebuild switch for changes.
• Audio Production:
  • Start a session in Ardour or Carla.
  • Use PipeWire for seamless JACK integration.
  • Monitor latency with jack_iodelay.
• Desktop Switching: KDE is default; launch Hyprland via hyprland command or session manager.
• Backups: Use Timeshift for snapshots.
• Kernel Switching: Use specialisations for RT/LTS toggling (see script or manual).

Kernel Integration Details

Musnix provides declarative RT kernel support:

• boot.kernelPackages = pkgs.linuxPackages_rt; (handled by Musnix).
• Params: preempt=full threadirqs for RT enhancements.
• LTS backup via specialisation for failure recovery.

Contributing

Fork the repo, make changes (e.g., add modules), and submit a PR. Follow Nix best practices for modularity.

License

MIT License. See LICENSE for details.