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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Is Gentoo more-or-less pointless for the average Linux user? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by KindredAffiliate@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml

34 comments fedilink hide all child comments

More specifically, Portage. I know use flags and "optimization" are all the hype, but really, would the average user even see a benefit from customizing all their use flags? Especially a benefit that compensates for the constant compilation?

I installed it once to help grow my e-peen, but immediately switched back to Arch after watching my system compile.

Those who daily drive it, do compilation and use flags annoy you, and do you see any real benefit?

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[–] Hamartiogonic@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

So, that sounds like the kind of thing you would want if you’re making something like a drone or a router, and you have very limited resources available in the device. Compiling can be done by a the cluster you you have in the factory, not the feeble pi zero on the final product itself.

However, I can totally see why many people would want to run Gentoo at home too. It’s a pretty cool idea, and if it’s cool you might be willing to put up with the drawbacks.

[–] heeplr@feddit.de 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

something like a drone or a router

Highly customized/optimized Linux images certainly are one use case of gentoo.

if it’s cool you might be willing to put up with the drawbacks

The "cool factor" is a significant point. My gentoo laptop (which I update rarely besides browser/security updates) boots in under 3 seconds to graphical login :-)

Compiling can be done by a the cluster

Actually most compiling is pretty quick on modern systems (compile in DDR4 ramdisk, nvme, fast CPU etc.) I'd say, most stuff compiles as quickly as installing a binary nowadays.

It's the huge stuff that's annoying: webkit, rust, Qt, boost, firefox/chromium etc. But one can skip updates easily or use precompiled binary packages that are provided for big stuff.

Pi4 is perfectly doable. But Pi Zero won't be a lot of fun.