Handbook:Parts

Set of reusable parts for the Gentoo handbook.

Take care that
 * all main sections include Handbook:Parts/TOC as a way of binding the structure of the handbook together.

This is the Gentoo Handbook, an effort to centralize Gentoo/Linux information. This handbook contains the installation instructions for an Internet-based installation and parts about working with Gentoo and Portage.

Installing Gentoo
In this part the reader learns how to install Gentoo on a system.


 * About the Gentoo Linux installation
 * This chapter introduces the installation approach documented in this handbook.


 * Choosing the right installation medium
 * It is possible to install Gentoo in many ways. This chapter explains how to install Gentoo using the minimal Installation CD.


 * Configuring the network
 * To be able to download the latest source code, networking will need to be configured.


 * Preparing the disks
 * To be able to install Gentoo, the necessary partitions need to be created. This chapter describes how to partition a disk for future usage.


 * Installing the Gentoo installation files
 * Gentoo installs work through a stage3 archive. In this chapter we describe how to extract the stage3 archive and configure Portage.


 * Installing the Gentoo base system
 * After installing and configuring a stage3, the base system is set up so that a minimal environment is available.


 * Configuring the Linux kernel
 * The Linux kernel is the core of every distribution. This chapter explains how to configure the kernel.


 * Configuring the system
 * Some important configuration files need to be edited. In this chapter an overview of these files is provided and an explanation on how to proceed.


 * Installing system tools
 * In this chapter some important tools are selected and installed.


 * Configuring the bootloader
 * In this chapter the right bootloader is installed and configured.


 * Finalizing the installation
 * The installation is now almost done. The last finishing touches are documented in this chapter.

Working with Gentoo

 * A portage introduction
 * This chapter explains the "simple" steps a user definitely needs to know to maintain the software on his system.


 * USE flags
 * USE flags are a very important aspect of Gentoo. In this chapter, readers learn to work with USE flags and understand how USE flags interact with their system.


 * Portage features
 * Discover the features Portage has, such as support for distributed compiling, ccache and more.


 * Init script system
 * Gentoo uses a special initscript format which, amongst other features, allows dependency-driven decisions and virtual initscripts. This chapter explains all these aspects and explains how to deal with these scripts.


 * Environment variables
 * With Gentoo environment variables can be easily managed. This chapter explains how to do that, and also describes frequently used variables.

Working with portage

 * Files and directories
 * To know portage in-depth, first learn where it stores its files and data.


 * Variables
 * Portage is completely configurable through various variables that can be set in the configuration file or as environment variable.


 * Mixing software branches
 * Gentoo provides software separated in several branches, depending on stability and architectural support. "Mixing Software Branches" explains how these branches can be configured and how to override this separation individually.


 * Additional tools
 * Portage comes with a few extra tools that might make the Gentoo experience even better. Read on to discover how to use dispatch-conf and other tools.


 * Custom portage tree
 * This chapter gives some tips and tricks on how to use a custom portage tree, how to synchronise only the categories necessary, inject packages and more.


 * Advanced features
 * As times goes by, Portage evolves and matures further and further. Additional features are continuously being put in - many of these are only of use by more advanced users. This chapter will go into more detail of these specific features.

Gentoo network configuration

 * Getting started
 * A guide to quickly get the network interface up and running in most common environments.


 * Advanced configuration
 * Here we learn about how the configuration works - this is prerequisite knowledge before continuing with modular networking.


 * Modular networking
 * Learn how to choose different DHCP clients, setting up bonding, bridging, VLANs and more.


 * Wireless
 * Configuring Gentoo for wireless networks


 * Adding functionality
 * Adventurous users can add their own functions to the networking tools.


 * Dynamic management
 * For laptop users or people who move their computer around different networks.