Gentoo (pronounced /ˈdʒɛntuː/) is a Linux-based free operating system based on the Portage package management system.
Unlike a conventional distribution of software, the user compiles the source code locally according to their chosen configuration. There are normally no precompiled binaries for software, continuing the tradition of the ports collection, although for convenience, some software packages are also available as precompiled binaries for various architectures.
The development project and its products are named after the Gentoo penguin. Gentoo package management is designed to be modular, portable, easy to maintain, flexible, and optimized for the user's machine. Gentoo is described at its site as a "metadistribution".
Unlike a conventional distribution of software, the user compiles the source code locally according to their chosen configuration. There are normally no precompiled binaries for software, continuing the tradition of the ports collection, although for convenience, some software packages are also available as precompiled binaries for various architectures.
The development project and its products are named after the Gentoo penguin. Gentoo package management is designed to be modular, portable, easy to maintain, flexible, and optimized for the user's machine. Gentoo is described at its site as a "metadistribution".