Gentoo Linux
Gentoo Linux (pronounced /ˈdʒɛntuː/ JEN-too) is a Linux distribution built using the Portage package management system. Unlike a binary software distribution, the source code is compiled locally according to the user's preferences and is often optimized for the specific type of computer. Precompiled binaries are available for some packages. Gentoo runs on a wide variety of processors, including x86, PowerPC, SPARC, DEC Alpha, ARM, MIPS and PA-RISC.
Gentoo Logo | |
Gentoo Linux Live USB running KDE | |
| Developer | Gentoo Foundation |
|---|---|
| Written in | C, sh, and Python |
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Current |
| Source model | Open source |
| Initial release | 31 March 2002 |
| Repository | |
| Update method | Rolling release |
| Package manager | Portage |
| Platforms | IA-32, x86-64, IA-64, PA-RISC (HPPA), PowerPC 32/64, SPARC 64-bit, DEC Alpha, ARM 32/64, MIPS |
| Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux kernel) |
| Userland | GNU, With support for non-GNU userlands |
| Default user interface | CLI, with support for various window managers and desktop environments |
| License | Free software |
| Official website | www |
Gentoo Linux was named after the gentoo penguin, the fastest swimming species of penguin. The name was chosen to reflect the potential speed improvements of machine-specific optimization, which is a major feature of Gentoo. Gentoo package management is designed to be modular, portable, easy to maintain, and flexible. Gentoo describes itself as a meta-distribution because of its adaptability, in that the majority of users have configurations and sets of installed programs which are unique to the system and the applications they use.