Gentoo is a great linux distro. I'd argue the best distro for an +enthusiast/programmer. For those out of the loop, gentoo is a gnu/linux +distrobution that compiles packages from source. All packages are managed with +portage by default, and packages are first downloaded and compiled, using +specific compiler flags for your system. The biggest advantage gentoo provides +is the use of:
+ +march="native" -O3+ +
that line above basically makes the case for gentoo. Allowing the user to choose the +optimization level used on their system, and compiling for their specific +processor and all of the optimizations it provides, is simply unmatched.
+ +Gentoo also lets the user use certain "use flags". A use flag is simply a +common key word like "X", "GNOME", or "SSL". Different packages may have +different options that can be enabled at compile time, and gentoo lets the user +choose what components of a piece of software they would like included when +building any package. If you don't plan on using KDE for example, but want to +use gnome, you can just use:
+ +USE="KDE -GNOME"+ +
And just like that, you won't compile GNOME support into any of your +packages. Now you save on disk space and resources that would have gone to +GNOME support. Just like that your system is a little leaner and runs a little +faster. Although on modern hardware it may not seem like a huge improvement, +you'll be amazed just how much faster your system will wind up running.
+ +Due to Gentoo's lack of any enviroment beyond a bash tty with the base +installation, the user is also afforded a HUGE variety of choices when setting +up their working enviroment. Just want something that works? Install +GNOME/KDE/XFCE and get to work. Comes with a window manager, file manager, +system utilities such as a settings program, graphical monitor configuration, +etc. This would be the best option for someone coming from MAC/Windows as +well.
+ +If you're the more adventurous type, however, you can make your own working +enviroment from different pieces of software, or even write your own! Programs +such as i3/dwm/awesomewm are great to get you going, providing a way to display +and manage windows, with nothing extra. Dwm lets you add features by modifying +its source code and compiling it, or using premade patches and applying them to +add features that you would like. Its similar to the use flag system, but by +hand instead of being managed by portage.
+ +Once you have a window manager you can start adding software like web +browsers, file managers, media players, text editors, and terminal emulators. +You can build your own enviroment tailored to your work flow, to make the most +comfy system possible.
+ +Gentoo also has the advnatage of running on literally anything. Like +whatever you can think of. Chances are you can run it on that SOC in your +fridge right now. Due to its nature of being compiled, all you need is a +working gentoo system, and to setup a cross compiler toolchain. Once you have +that you just build a bootable gentoo image, flash it to the device of choice, +and it should be able to compile everything it needs to keep updating forever. +Raspberry pi's, decade old laptops, your phone (in the works :D), +that obscure little MIPS machine you have, +anything. Gentoo is the distro to bring any device back to life!
+ +Gentoo also happens to be what Chrome +OS is based on, as well as being +used for +High Frequency Trading!
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