How-to?

Create a usb key

To create a crypted and portable NixOS system on a usb key:

1. Create a minimal NixOS system

   cd /etc/nixos
   
   # Nix-shell with required tools + root
   sudo just create-key-shell
   
   # Launch with the key name + peripheral
   # -> IMPORTANT: all data in the peripheral will be lose
   # -> This script will prompt the luks password
   just create-key-on my-key /dev/sdb
   
   # Quit the nix-shell
   exit

2. Declare the new host

   usr/config.yaml

   hosts:
     static:
       - hostname: "my-key"
         name: "My portable system"
         profile: "portable"
         users: [ "darkone", "gponcon" ]

   # Generate, fix, check...
   just clean

3. Apply the configuration

   Launch the usb key system with any machine (click F12 at startup, then choose the usb key). The minimal installation have a special nix user used for maintenance.

   # Network check: "my-key" must be accessible
   ping my-key
   
   # Register and install the new host
   just install my-key

Contribute

Until more details are available, here’s what you can do:

• Share your thoughts or advice and support this project.
• Suggest code or documentation fixes.
• Fork this project and try to use it.