Gentoo Linux/MIPS Handbook

Content:

• Installing Gentoo
  In this part you learn how to install Gentoo on your system.
  1. About the Gentoo Linux Installation
     This chapter introduces you to the installation approach documented in this part.
  2. Choosing the Right Installation Medium
     You can install Gentoo in many ways. In this chapter we explain how to install Gentoo using the MIPS Netboot images.
  3. Configuring your Network
     To be able to download the latest source code, you will need to setup networking.
  4. Preparing the Disks
     To be able to install Gentoo, you must create the necessary partitions. This chapter describes how to partition a disk for future usage.
  5. Installing the Gentoo Installation Files
     Gentoo installs work through a stage3 archive. In this chapter we describe how you extract the stage3 archive and configure Portage.
  6. Installing the Gentoo Base System
     After installing and configuring a stage3, the eventual result is that you have a Gentoo base system at your disposal. This chapter describes how to progress to that stadium.
  7. Configuring the Kernel
     The Linux kernel is the core of every distribution. This chapter explains how to configure your kernel.
  8. Configuring your System
     You need to edit some important configuration files. In this chapter you receive an overview of these files and an explanation on how to proceed.
  9. Installing Necessary System Tools
     As mentioned before, Gentoo is about choices. In this chapter we help you choose and install some important tools.
  10. Configuring the Bootloader
      On both Silicon Graphics machines, and on Cobalt servers, both require the use of a bootloader to load the kernel. This section covers setting up arcboot/arcload (for SGI machines) and colo for Cobalt servers.
  11. Finalizing your Gentoo Installation
      You're almost done. We'll just create one (or more) users for your system.
  12. Where to go from here?
      Now you have your Gentoo system, but what's next?
• Working with Gentoo
  Learn how to work with Gentoo: installing software, altering variables, changing Portage behaviour etc.
  1. A Portage Introduction
     This chapter explains the "simple" steps a user definitely needs to know to maintain the software on his system.
  2. USE flags
     USE-flags are a very important aspect of Gentoo. In this chapter, you learn to work with USE-flags and understand how USE-flags interact with your system.
  3. Portage Features
     Discover the features Portage has, such as support for distributed compiling, ccache and more.
  4. Initscripts
     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.
  5. Environment Variables
     With Gentoo you can easily manage the environment variables for your system. This chapter explains how you do that, and also describes frequently used variables.
• Working with Portage
  "Working with Portage" provides an in-depth coverage of Portage, Gentoo's Software Management Tool.
  1. Files and Directories
     Once you want to know Portage in-depth you need to know where it stores its files and data.
  2. Configuring through Variables
     Portage is completely configurable through various variables you can set in the configuration file or as environment variable.
  3. Mixing Software Branches
     Gentoo provides software separated in several branches, depending on stability and architectural support. "Mixing Software Branches" inform you how these branches can be configured and how you can override this separation individually.
  4. Additional Portage Tools
     Portage comes with a few extra tools that might make your Gentoo experience even better. Read on to discover how to use dispatch-conf and other tools.
  5. Diverting from the Official Tree
     "Diverting from the Official Tree" gives you some tips and tricks on how to use your own Portage tree, how to synchronise only the categories you want, inject packages and more.
• Gentoo Network Configuration
  A comprehensive guide to Networking in Gentoo.
  1. Getting Started
     A guide to quickly get your network interface up and running in most common environments.
  2. Advanced Configuration
     Here we learn about how the configuration works - you need to know this before we learn about modular networking.
  3. Modular Networking
     Gentoo provides you flexible networking - here you are told about choosing different DHCP clients, setting up bonding, bridging, VLANs and more.
  4. Wireless Networking
     Wireless isn't straight-forward. Hopefully we'll get you working!
  5. Adding Functionality
     If you're feeling adventurous, you can add your own functions to networking.
  6. Network Management
     For laptop users or people who move their computer around different networks.