Gentoo Linux

What it does

Init systems

The handbook identifies OpenRC and systemd as fully supported init system choices.checked 11 Oct 2026

Installation media

Gentoo provides minimal installation CDs and a LiveGUI USB image with a KDE desktop environment.checked 11 Oct 2026

Integrity verification

Stage downloads may include cryptographic checksums and PGP signatures that users can verify.checked 11 Oct 2026

LiveGUI architecture

The handbook says the Gentoo LiveGUI USB image is built weekly for amd64.checked 11 Oct 2026

Package configuration

Users configure Gentoo through text files and can tune system functionality with package or system-wide USE flags.checked 11 Oct 2026

Package contribution

The handbook recommends submitting new packages to GURU before they may be added to the official repository with a developer sponsor.checked 11 Oct 2026

Profiles and desktop choice

Gentoo's development philosophy avoids requiring a particular system profile or desktop environment.checked 11 Oct 2026

Security advisories

Gentoo maintains a security database with distribution advisories and information for reporting vulnerabilities confidentially.checked 11 Oct 2026

Source builds

Gentoo installs packages by compiling source code from upstream projects, and also supports precompiled binary packages.checked 11 Oct 2026

Stage 3 installation

The handbook states that a stage3 installation is the only supported installation method.checked 11 Oct 2026

Supported architectures

The handbook says Gentoo is available for many computer architectures and names x86, amd64, sparc, PowerPC, MIPS, and ARM among them.checked 11 Oct 2026

What it is

Gentoo is a free operating system based on Linux that can be optimized and customized for different applications and needs.checked 11 Oct 2026