Switching to Gentoo from Mint

complexnumber · n00b Joined: 05 Jul 2021 Posts: 2

Hi,

So I'm new, I'm reading the install documentation and some pages off the wiki. I can follow the installation instructions not a problem. I'm rocking a Ryzen 9 3950X system with an nvidia RTX3080Ti for gaming... well I only play Cyberpunk2077 via Steam. I have questions though... I'm nervous about switching because usually when there are Linux options for software they list the major distributions. I need to run Microsoft Teams for TAFE (am from Australia btw), Mega.nz sync client as well as some other bits and pieces.

I'm nervous compiling a custom Kernel, but I want to learn so I suppose I'm going to have to anyway.

So, I'm leaving familiar waters for a journey into the unknown... I suppose I have a lot of reading to do.

Thank you

fedeliallalinea

Welcome to gentoo and the gentoo forum.

flysideways · Guru Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 437

Enjoy, with a 3950x the compile times become almost trivial.

When you read the docs, take note of the suggested -j 33 for your processor in make.conf, also when compiling the kernel. That uses all of the available threads.

If you want to keep the system you are currently running, installing dual boot on a separate drive is an option. Most UEFI systems are very easy to select the drive to boot from. If you dual boot, that can be used while you figure out the boot loading method you want to use.

cboldt · Veteran Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1046

Welcome. You'll find plenty of help here, and from your intro you are inclined to read and try on your own first.

I made the move from Mandrake many years ago, and what worked for me was to have both systems on the hard drive at the same time, and booting into one or the other. That way there was no serious pressure to get the new system (happened to be Gentoo) working. It took a month or two -- not always working on the transition.

xahodo · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 1:33 pm Post subject:

Well, regarding your own kernel; you can always use genkernel. That way, you can first let it build the default kernel and then you can tweak it to your liking.

NeddySeagoon · Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2021 4:58 pm Post subject:

complexnumber,

Welcome to Gentoo.

Two pieces of advice.

1. Gentoo is not a distro. The Gentoo repo and and the portage package manager are tools that you use to design and install your very own distro,
Everything else is $UPSTREAM.

2. Build on what you know works. Install a bit, test it. Once it works add to it. That keeps the problem space small for when your very own distro breaks.

3. You don't have to learn to build your own kernel as a part of your initial install. You can add that later. You can and should have several kernels on your boot menu.

Now I feel a Monty Python sketch coming on.
_________________
Regards,

NeddySeagoon

Computer users fall into two groups:-
those that do backups
those that have never had a hard drive fail.

figueroa · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:22 am Post subject:

Also, welcome. You can also build Gentoo in a virtual machine (i.e. VirtualBox ~.vdi) while still using Mint on the desktop. After building a system sufficiently to your liking, backing up regularly as you go), restore the backup to hardware, tweak your settings, i.e. network, fstab, boot manager, and finally boot into it. You can keep your Mint until your sure you no longer want it.
_________________
Andy Figueroa
hp pavilion hpe h8-1260t/2AB5; spinning rust x3
i7-2600 @ 3.40GHz; 16 gb; Radeon HD 7570
amd64/23.0/split-usr/desktop (stable), OpenRC, -systemd -pulseaudio -uefi

complexnumber · n00b Joined: 05 Jul 2021 Posts: 2

Thank you for making me feel welcome! I'm writing this from my Desktop, I have Cinnamon and Firefox installed with an XFCE4 Terminal.

I need to install VMWare Workstation for School and Steam for Gaming (not as important as Vmware) Where should I start looking on the Forums?

I had a small hiccup during the install. My network adapter is enp6s0 the handbook says when you install to run

figueroa · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 5:38 am Post subject:

Well done. Welcome to the club.
_________________
Andy Figueroa
hp pavilion hpe h8-1260t/2AB5; spinning rust x3
i7-2600 @ 3.40GHz; 16 gb; Radeon HD 7570
amd64/23.0/split-usr/desktop (stable), OpenRC, -systemd -pulseaudio -uefi

Goverp · Advocate Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 2008

cboldt · Veteran Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 1046

On disabling the persistent network device names, over the years I've run into directions that include custom udev rules as well as instructions that involve a kernel command line parameter (or equivalent using sysctl).

Turns out that a kernel command line parameter is sufficient. net.ifnames=0

nikolis · Apprentice Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 199 Location: Athens

complexnumber,

Welcome to Gentoo.