incredible flexibility in package versions. I can install multiple versions of a package, or install an old version of a package without incompatibility issues
can mix between rolling release (arch-like) and fixed / stable releases (fedora-like) on the individual package level
can very easily create packages not in the repos and treat them as first class
super easy to add and manage patches
global management of compile flags and options
packages in portage are not only programs. You can let portage manage other things, such as users or configurations
support for less common architectures or setups, like using musl, arm, clang, etc.
Yes. Installation. With all the other Linux distributions I have installed, there is a bootable CD with an installer of some kind.
Slackware
Debian
Ubuntu
Mint
Arch (though the install process with that one is admittedly more complicated. Also, because I have a very hard time grasping what the use cases are for anything outside of a “default” Linux system, it felt like I was using a very expensive arc furnace to toast myself a sandwich.)
Manjaro
OpenSUSE
MX Linux (my current favorite)
Actually, come to think of it, my problem with Arch is also my problem with Gentoo: I don’t know what the use cases are.
In fact basically, I like Linux, but I also don’t know what Linux is for. I use it for Web browsing, occasional attempts at writing code (I’m bad at that. I have no idea what the proper process is for finding code that already does the things I want done, and I’m pretty sure that’s 90% of programming), I use it for taking markdown notes and mind mapping. And that’s honestly about it.
I could do all of that with Windows, technically speaking. It would just clutter my system, and I would not get to choose my own desktop environment. And I wouldn’t have access to the Debian repositories. And where it’s effortless reinstalling Debian based systems, Windows installation can be a pain.
So the way I use it, Linux is just a sleeker, more lightweight, more visually customizable Windows that I can run on older hardware and fill to the brim with random software packages acquired through Debian’s humongous library of verified programs without worrying about messing up my OS because ultimately, I can easily reinstall the whole system in a matter of 40 minutes.
To someone who uses a computer the way I do, it almost can’t be anything more than that.
I’m pretty sure that’s the real reason I don’t use Gentoo.
Gentoo’s install process is manual by design. If you don’t like the install process, then gentoo may not be for you, because want to use those skills while you use it day to day too.
There is bootable ISO installation media. One that is TTY-based, like Arch’s, and there’s one they added a couple years ago that has GUI based with KDE. You’ll still have to follow the hand book while you install, so it’s still manual. But if you wanted a graphical experience in the bootable ISO then that’s the one.
I love gentoo, and here’s why:
I wanted to try Gentoo for a while. But I could never find a bootable ISO for it. And that’s basically the only way I know how to install a distro.
You can actually use ISOs from most other distros to install it. I think the wiki even mentions it
A bootable ISO for the installation media / Live CD? Or you mean the final install product?
Yes. Installation. With all the other Linux distributions I have installed, there is a bootable CD with an installer of some kind.
Actually, come to think of it, my problem with Arch is also my problem with Gentoo: I don’t know what the use cases are.
In fact basically, I like Linux, but I also don’t know what Linux is for. I use it for Web browsing, occasional attempts at writing code (I’m bad at that. I have no idea what the proper process is for finding code that already does the things I want done, and I’m pretty sure that’s 90% of programming), I use it for taking markdown notes and mind mapping. And that’s honestly about it.
I could do all of that with Windows, technically speaking. It would just clutter my system, and I would not get to choose my own desktop environment. And I wouldn’t have access to the Debian repositories. And where it’s effortless reinstalling Debian based systems, Windows installation can be a pain.
So the way I use it, Linux is just a sleeker, more lightweight, more visually customizable Windows that I can run on older hardware and fill to the brim with random software packages acquired through Debian’s humongous library of verified programs without worrying about messing up my OS because ultimately, I can easily reinstall the whole system in a matter of 40 minutes.
To someone who uses a computer the way I do, it almost can’t be anything more than that.
I’m pretty sure that’s the real reason I don’t use Gentoo.
Gentoo’s install process is manual by design. If you don’t like the install process, then gentoo may not be for you, because want to use those skills while you use it day to day too.
There is bootable ISO installation media. One that is TTY-based, like Arch’s, and there’s one they added a couple years ago that has GUI based with KDE. You’ll still have to follow the hand book while you install, so it’s still manual. But if you wanted a graphical experience in the bootable ISO then that’s the one.