Handbook:Parts/Blocks/Systemd

Optional: Using systemd as the init system
The remainder of the Gentoo Handbook focuses on OpenRC (the traditional Gentoo init system) as the default init system. If systemd is desired or if the reader will be installing GNOME 3.8 and later (which requires systemd), please consult the systemd article. It contains instructions equivalent to the instructions in the following sections of this Handbook. Specifically, it will walk the reader through various init system commands and systemd-specific services (such as, , etc.) needed to establish a working systemd environment.

Note: Certain applications are heavily dependent on the GNOME software ecosystem and subsequently dependent on systemd. Readers who are unsure if the GNOME desktop environment will be used can migrate to a systemd profile later.