Gentoo
Gentoo is a Linux distribution built from source that emphasizes customizability and choice. It uses the Portage package management system which allows users to optimize software for their specific hardware.
linux
open-source
portage
customizable
from-source
Gentoo: Customizable Source-Built Linux Distribution
Discover Gentoo, a Linux distribution built from source emphasizing customizability and choice, with the Portage package management system for optimized software on your hardware.
What is Gentoo?
Gentoo is a versatile and fast Linux distribution that is built specifically for each machine it is installed on. It aims to provide a great deal of flexibility and customization options by using the Portage package management system to compile software from source code.
Some key features of Gentoo include:
- Performance optimization - Software packages are compiled with the specific CPU architecture in mind, allowing optimization for maximum performance.
- Use-case customization - Users can tweak compiler options to generate binaries targeted for their exact use-case like server, desktop, development, etc.
- Latest software versions - Being a rolling release model, users can always install the latest software versions easily.
- Extensive configuration - Almost all aspects of the system can be configured as per the user's needs.
- Portage package manager - Provides immense flexibility in package management with features like USE flags.
However, the compilation process means package installation takes longer than binary distributions. Gentoo also requires deeper technical knowledge to configure and maintain. But it enables building a Linux system truly tailored for any niche.
Gentoo Features
Features
- Portage package management system allows compiling software from source code
- USE flags for customizing builds of packages
- Supports many architectures including x86, AMD64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, SPARC
- Highly customizable - users can tune compiler options, kernel, system services
- Rolling release model provides latest software versions
- Supports installation of binary packages
- Large repository of available software
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Very flexible and customizable
Can optimize software specifically for your hardware
Access to newest software versions
User has control over system configuration
Good documentation and community support
Cons
Compiling from source is time consuming
Manual configuration requires Linux expertise
Not designed for beginners
Upgrading can be complex
Limited number of precompiled binary packages
Official Links
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