Gentoo Linux

Spec sheet

Init systems

The handbook identifies OpenRC and systemd as fully supported init system choices.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Installation media

Gentoo provides minimal installation CDs and a LiveGUI USB image with a KDE desktop environment.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Integrity verification

Stage downloads may include cryptographic checksums and PGP signatures that users can verify.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

LiveGUI architecture

The handbook says the Gentoo LiveGUI USB image is built weekly for amd64.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Package configuration

Users configure Gentoo through text files and can tune system functionality with package or system-wide USE flags.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Package contribution

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

Profiles and desktop choice

Gentoo's development philosophy avoids requiring a particular system profile or desktop environment.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Security advisories

Gentoo maintains a security database with distribution advisories and information for reporting vulnerabilities confidentially.Read 11 Oct 2026 · security.gentoo.org

Source builds

Gentoo installs packages by compiling source code from upstream projects, and also supports precompiled binary packages.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Stage 3 installation

The handbook states that a stage3 installation is the only supported installation method.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Supported architectures

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

What it is

Gentoo is a free operating system based on Linux that can be optimized and customized for different applications and needs.Read 11 Oct 2026 · wiki.gentoo.org

Plans and prices

Every Gentoo Linux plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Operating Systems#23 of 427.7