Gentoo is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need. Extreme configurability, performance and a top-notch user and developer community are all hallmarks of the Gentoo experience.
Unlike other distros, Gentoo Linux has an advanced package management system called Portage. Portage is a true ports system in the tradition of BSD ports, but is Python-based and sports a number of advanced features including dependencies, fine-grained package management, "fake" (OpenBSD-style) installs, safe unmerging, system profiles, virtual packages, config file management, and more.
Gentoo Linux is a compelling choice for people desiring a flexible, powerful community-based Linux distribution.
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3 commentsGentoo Linux
I noticed some of the comments were a bit old so I thought I would comment on the newest release for 2005, which rocks! If you are not familiar with Linux or how computers work in general the installation may seem a bit daunting at first, but the documentation is fabulous and very thorough. If you follow it you will have no problem. I think they are working on a graphical installer as well. (yes, the current installation is text based). Once you have the base CD installed the rest is simple. With Gentoo's powerful (did I mention it's very powerful?) management system, Portage, the installation and management of your system software is easy and highly customizable. You are in controll of practically every aspect of how your system is configured and runs. I switched from RH Fedora and have been using Gentoo for a few months now and I love it. Give it a try and you will too. AMD64 2800+ CPU 512MB DDR RAM 80GB Western Digital Serial ATA Hard Drive 450 Watt PS
Not for faint of heart
It took about 2 days to have everything compiled on my 2cpu P3 866Mhz, but it's well worth it ! I just love it !
Gentoo is quite good, but lacks..
But lacks a good system menu management system like the one found in Debian. It also needs more Documentation focused in their own distro. And it lacks a central configuration application.