Yeah, Gentoo is really tough to use if you’re not somewhat familiar with Linux, it’s ins and outs, and its general ecosystem. Even the handbook assumes a lot of knowledge. But when you get it operating… boy is it rewarding. It’s like difficult hike—you’re wrung out, but you’re stronger from it in the long-run, and the view is amazing.

You know, I’d recommend starting with Arch, actually. It’s got challenges of its own, but a manual Arch install can help familiarize yourself with the Linux install process in general, and can help ease you into the Linux-from-Scratch-with-training-wheels that is Gentoo. And the documentation (ArchWiki) is famous for how helpful and informative it is. It’s definitely better than the Gentoo Handbook on that front!

It’s not gentoo late, bro!