Screenshot of QEMU VM showing an ASCII Gentoo Logo + system info

I followed Mental Outlaw’s 2019 guide and followed the official handbook to get up-to-date instructions and tailored instructions for my system, the process took about 4 hours however I did go out for a nice walk while my kernel was compiling. Overall I enjoyed the process and learnt a lot about the Linux kernel while doing it.

I’m planning on installing it to my hardware soon, this was to get a feel for the process in a non-destructive way.

    • khannie@lemmy.worldEnglish
      231·
      1 year ago

      Agreed. It’s such a great learning process. I ultimately gave up on Gentoo but learned a lot by using it for about 2 years way back in around 2005.

      Linux From Scratch brings a huge leap in understanding too.

      • DryTomatoes4@lemm.ee
        9·
        1 year ago

        I found Gentoo more helpful than LFS because with LFS you compile about 80 packages from source one at a time but you don’t learn too much about the packages.

        LFS gave me much more awareness of what packages actually come with a Linux install but Gentoo taught me more about configuring and booting a Linux system.

        Although I’d definitely recommend both to anyone wanting to learn. I’d do Gentoo first then LFS.

        Edit: LFS is also a masterclass in cross compiling so if that’s something you’re curious about LFS is the way to go.

      • fraydabson@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        8·
        1 year ago

        Back in like 2011 I was living out of state for college. Had decided to drop out at the time so had limitless free time for a bit. I definitely used that time to compile my own kernel and setup gentoo lol. I haven’t played with gentoo since but it was fun and helped my appreciation for Linux.

      • 30p87@feddit.de
        1·
        1 year ago

        I installed LFS that on my Dell Latitude 13 (Core 2 Duo SU7300) in a 3 month on and off operation, with packages compiling (and failing) overnight all the time.

    • auth@lemmy.ml
      119·
      1 year ago

      Arch teaches you the most important stuff without wasting too much on time… Not a Gentoo fan

      • H2207@lemmy.worldOP
        13·
        1 year ago

        I use Arch on my host machine, the stuff I learnt when doing Gentoo today was wayyy deeper than Arch has ever gotten near. I agree that Arch teaches what most people should know, but Gentoo fully teaches what most people should have at least a small understanding of.