Newbie questions about Gentoo (non-technical)

[guest]

Hi all,

I am wondering whether to give Gentoo a try and have a few questions. (By way of background, I'm no guru, but I've used Linux before: I like Mandrake but find reliability low and updating packages hard - I also like Debian but want something a little closer to the cutting edge. Gentoo might be the right compromise?)

1) I've read about the Portage system (it sounds great!) But what happens when you want to install software that is not available as a Portage package? I imagine this is still possible but would not be cleanly removable? Would this damage the Portage DB on your system? Can you install software from other distributions (eg RPMs)?

2) How is the Gentoo project/company organised? Is there reliance on some commercial model or is all work being done on a volunteer basis? I'm trying to see whether this system still be around in a year or two.

I'm very impressed by what I've read on the website and in the forums - kudos to everyone involved.

Cheers,
t.

[pjp]

You might read this thread and see if that answers any questions you may have.
_________________
Quis separabit? Quo animo?