What is a source distro?

BigDawg · 08-23-2003, 08:07 PM

Well, I'll go ahead and admit that I'm a n00b.
So, here's my question:

What does it mean when a distro is a source distro? My question is focusing on the Gentoo distro, which I have heard good things about.

Thanks to all who help me out!

trickykid · 08-23-2003, 08:47 PM

Its compiled by source rather than RPM or any other means. Like Slackware, is a source based Distribution.

BigDawg · 08-23-2003, 08:53 PM

So, trickykid, you mean that when I install the distro, it will be compiled then, on the spot?

leonscape · 08-23-2003, 08:55 PM

Thats the general Idea. It's meant to make the Distro more suited to your machine.

I've done it I didn't notice much diffrence Other people swear by it, I can't be bothered with the wait myself

2damncommon · 08-23-2003, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Its compiled by source rather than RPM or any other means. Like Slackware, is a source based Distribution.

Is Slackware really a good example?
I would take it to mean a distribution that is compiled during install like the old Sourcerer distro. By default Slackware will install precompiled Slack packages.

BigDawg · 08-23-2003, 08:59 PM

Ahhh... now I see. Thanks for the responses!

And one more question: what do you guys think about Gentoo 1.4?

leonscape · 08-23-2003, 09:06 PM

Thats a question thats really tricky to answer.

Everyone usually swears by the current Distro (Debian being the best of course

) Gentoo's Okay I guess. Used it for a few weeks but nothing special.

For a more rounded approach try http://www.distrowatch.com/

Can you guess I'm Biased?