Gentoo Linux Goes Binary… Sort of
The Gentoo team has announced there is now a centralized repository available for installing pre-compiled binary packages on the storied distribution.
Gentoo goes binary! That's right, the source-based distribution that every hardcore Linux user loves to brag about using now has binary packages available for installation.
This is made possible thanks to the Portage package manager. But until now, every single package installed on Gentoo was done so from source, which meant every time you installed a package it not only took time but also skill.
This doesn't mean Gentoo is migrating away from its roots. Gentoo is and will always be the most challenging Linux distribution on the planet. But with the help of binary packages, it won't always be so time-consuming to manage.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that for most architectures, those binary installations will be limited to the core system and weekly updates.
If, however, you use either amd64 or arm64, there are already over 20 GB of packages that can be installed from their mirrors: LibreOffice, KDE Plasma, GNOME, Docker, and much more.
For those users who have already taken the time to install Gentoo, you can set up your installation to use those packages with the help of the Binary package quickstart guide.
For those diehard Gentoo fans, fear not! This is not the end of your beloved distribution. Anyone who wants to stick with the source-only version of the distribution can do just that.
For those who'd prefer to go the binary route, for faster software installation, that particular route is now an option.
Read more about this change in this official Gentoo post.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Juno Tab 3 Launches with Ubuntu 24.04
Anyone looking for a full-blown Linux tablet need look no further. Juno has released the Tab 3.
-
New KDE Slimbook Plasma Available for Preorder
Powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU, the latest KDE Slimbook laptop is powerful enough for local AI tasks.
-
Rhino Linux Announces Latest "Quick Update"
If you prefer your Linux distribution to be of the rolling type, Rhino Linux delivers a beautiful and reliable experience.
-
Plasma Desktop Will Soon Ask for Donations
The next iteration of Plasma has reached the soft feature freeze for the 6.2 version and includes a feature that could be divisive.
-
Linux Market Share Hits New High
For the first time, the Linux market share has reached a new high for desktops, and the trend looks like it will continue.
-
LibreOffice 24.8 Delivers New Features
LibreOffice is often considered the de facto standard office suite for the Linux operating system.
-
Deepin 23 Offers Wayland Support and New AI Tool
Deepin has been considered one of the most beautiful desktop operating systems for a long time and the arrival of version 23 has bolstered that reputation.
-
CachyOS Adds Support for System76's COSMIC Desktop
The August 2024 release of CachyOS includes support for the COSMIC desktop as well as some important bits for video.
-
Linux Foundation Adopts OMI to Foster Ethical LLMs
The Open Model Initiative hopes to create community LLMs that rival proprietary models but avoid restrictive licensing that limits usage.
-
Ubuntu 24.10 to Include the Latest Linux Kernel
Ubuntu users have grown accustomed to their favorite distribution shipping with a kernel that's not quite as up-to-date as other distros but that changes with 24.10.