GET INTO GENTOO
Q he builders of the Gentoo distribution were clearly keen to save on computer resources. In this respect they’ve succeeded brilliantly, although beginners are left out in the cold. But then again, how many people new to computing possess the technical know-how to optimise the compile process for a specific CPU model? We suspect not many…
This sounds like snobbery, but the maintainers’ point is that you’ll gradually adapt to handling your computer with this mind-set. As you grow as a Linux user, you’ll realise what you want, like and have any use for. You can’t obtain this information from browsing a website – you must experience this for yourself.
Many readers will think that they must be an expert in compiling software to use Gentoo. This isn’t the case, because Gentoo’s package manager has a good selection of sensible defaults. There’s also a helpful
Stage3 file. When you unpack this, it creates a small system. From there, you can add programs, adjust settings and start experimenting with advanced settings.
Initially, Gentoo requires a high degree of input from the user, but the benefits will show up in performance, after some practice. Whether you’re willing to put in the effort… well, that’s entirely up to you.
