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SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Can be optimized to any given CPU by using proper compile flags
Since everything is being built on your PC you can fine-tune the code to make use of your CPU. And all it requires is two lines of string variables in a global config.
Pro Fully customizable
The usage of advanced features like USE flags makes it more customizable than any binary distribution. You are free to do whatever you want with it. As a result, its configuration reflects your unique taste and personality.
Pro Portability
There are many architectures available for Gentoo : i386, x86-64, PowerPC, PowerPC 64, sparc, DEC Alpha, ARM, MIPS, PA-RISC, S390, IA-64, sh, m68k.
Pro Great for anyone who is serious about learning the intricacies of Linux
It's useful for both beginners and professionals. For the installation, Gentoo offers various types, which are referred to as stages. Basically meaning how in-depth you would want to go into the process of installation. For beginners it's useful to choose for a starting distro due to its various stages. Those can be very time consuming, but beneficial as you learn the composition in general of Linux.
Pro Full control of the software
You build the package from a source you can see and read. You decide which features you want to inclue and which aren't needed. You can choose build options, optimization and whatever else you want modified. This simply isn't possible with a binary distribution.
Cons
Con Installing and updating Gentoo takes a lot of time
Since everything must be compiled it takes a lot longer to update. If you have to update the kernel or some other heavy software it can take a considerable amount of time. Especially on older computers.
Con Gentoo does not care about security
- It is currently impossible to install Gentoo as described in its handbook in a secure way. See here.
- For the last year Gentoo devs forgot to update their signing keys in time twice.
- In 2018 Gentoo github account was hacked.
Taking the first two points in to consideration, it really is no surprise that it was hacked.
Recommendations
Comments
Flagged Pros + Cons
Pro Freedom
You are free to do whatever you want with it. As a result, its configuration reflects your unique taste and personality.
Con Since everything must be compiled it takes a lot longer to update
And if you have to update the kernel or some heavy software like Chromium it can takes hours if not more on weaker hardware.
