Thu, 29 Jul 2004

Gentoo Linux 2004.2 Rocks!
posted by Chip Witt

I managed to give the latest Gentoo Linux a whirl just in time to rave about it at the LinuxWorld Conference and Expo in S.F. next week. I tried out a lot of the newer features they've bundled into the new x86 Universal LiveCD, and I'm here to tell you, I'm impressed.

The primary difference I appreciated most was the time that has been spent to massage and clarify the Gentoo Handbook. This serves as a complete reference to choosing an installation method, obtaining media, and getting you through the complex installation for whatever platform they support (more than most distributions) that you are using. When I first encountered this manual in preparation for installing version 1.2 several years ago, it was a sadder sight by far...incomplete, incorrect, and poorly worded througout. It was kind of like driving a Ferrari in rush hour traffic with both eyes closed. Exhilarating, dangerous, and frustrating. After going through the install several times with several versions, it seemed far less important to have good documentation than it was during the intimidating first time. The current manual is clear, and with a few minor exceptions particular to my personal preferences to building machines, very correct in its content. Although it is still not for the novice, it has a learning curve that is not nearly as steep as it once was. Good for the cow!

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