Installation
This is an overview of the principles and practices of installing Gentoo on a running system.
The installation of a Gentoo Linux system is very different from how the most well-known, desktop-oriented operating systems usually work. Common OSs, such as Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and the more popular Linux distributions come with graphically guided installers (wizards) with which most users will be familiar, but installing Gentoo is markedly different.
Gentoo is a versatile distribution geared towards advanced users. For those starting out with Linux, or even with computers in general, Gentoo will likely require more effort to learn than so-called "beginner-friendly" distributions. For someone aiming to get the most out of the tools they use (for example, developers, hobbyists, and tinkerers) Gentoo is an excellent choice.
See the FAQ about what makes Gentoo different for an overview of Gentoo's architecture and capabilities.
See the handbook for the official installation instructions. This article is just a primer.
When asking for help with an installation, it is required that the Handbook already be consulted and abided by (along with other relevant official documentation). Following unofficial guides, or deviating from recommended practices, is likely to result in being asked to start the installation from scratch using the official documentation before any help will be provided.
Principles
Gentoo is installed following a manual procedure. In order to prepare a bootable system, the user inputs and executes commands at the system prompt following the guidelines laid out in the Handbook. Installing Gentoo is thus somewhat more involved than for most other distributions, though for users used to the command line (or to manually installing other distributions) it is a rather simple and fast procedure.
Installing Gentoo for the first time is akin to following a tutorial. Do not be discouraged if it seems difficult in the beginning. Getting a Gentoo system up and running is a learning process that rewards the user with valuable insight into its workings, as well as those of other Linux (and Unix-like) distributions in general.
Gentoo is a powerful operating system. As with other highly capable tools, investing the time in learning how they work is sure to pay dividends down the line.
Overview
A Gentoo installation starts with booting a complete Linux environment (with shell access). There are several means to doing this, such as using the Minimal Installation CD, Gentoo's LiveGUI ISO, or even another distribution's Live ISO or pre-existing installation.
After booting into this environment, installation files will need to be downloaded or copied to a persistent drive, thus creating a new directory hierarchy with all the tools needed and configured for a complete system. From here the user can reboot into the newly installed Gentoo base, and finish installing and configuring needed programs.
The standard installation procedure requires internet access.
The Gentoo Handbook
The Gentoo Handbook provides the official method for installing the system, along with various options for tailoring the system to meet one's needs or wishes. Though it is possible to deviate from the Handbook, issues may arise since alternative means have not been tested. (This is especially true for whatever directives are presented as imperative.) If the handbook is not followed properly, the community may not be able to help. Think of the Handbook as an actual installation program. Failing to comply with the directives of one is like failing to comply with the directives of the other.
The Handbook is edited and maintained by the Handbook Project in close cooperation with the release engineering team and the various architecture teams and their maintainers.
Tips
- Skim through the whole handbook to get an idea of what needs to be done.
- Consider using the binary distribution kernel to get up and running more easily. This may be changed later on.
- Ask for help on IRC if any issues are encountered (see also the support article).
See also
- Bootable media — Gentoo offers bootable media that can be used to install, maintain, or try out Gentoo Linux
- Category:Installation — Articles pertaining to the installation of Gentoo Linux.
- Installation alternatives — offers alternative installation techniques for systems or situations with special requirements, such as being unable to boot from a live environment due to lack of optical media hardware or USB port interfaces.
- Install Gentoo on a bootable USB stick — describes how to install Gentoo onto a USB stick that can be booted on any computer.
- LiveUSB — explains how to create a Gentoo LiveUSB or, in other words, how to emulate a x86 or amd64 Gentoo LiveCD using a USB drive.
- Quick Installation Checklist — for experienced users who desire a quick, less detailed installation guide. It doubles as a checklist so essential installation steps are not forgotten.
- Stage file — an archive containing a minimal Gentoo environment, typically serving as a seed for a Gentoo install.
- Upgrading Gentoo — explains how to upgrade (update) Gentoo, as well as how to proceed for a well maintained system.
Unofficial instructions
Check carefully whether these are still being maintained. Always look for official docs where possible.
Various community-driven installation instructions have been produced. Here are some:
- Complete Handbook — A community-driven effort to create a fully documented approach to Gentoo Linux.
- Installing Gentoo on a ThinkPad X220 — Instructions specific to this particular laptop.