Hi. I am trying to install Gentoo-0.11. I downloaded the software from the Web site. I extract the software in a directory /mnt/windows/gentoo.

I do not know if this info is pertinent. My windows directory is blank and it is configured as a primary FAT32 partition. I use this directory for transversing files between my multi O/S partitions (I just set it up). On partition dha5, I have Mandrake 9.2. On partition dha6, I have SuSE 9.0. On partition dha7, I have RedHat9.0 installed.

I have never installed any individual Linux software before. So I do not know what I am doing at this point. I double clicked install but I got a text file. Is there a special program to install these packages, am I not installing from the proper directory or am I even asking the proper questions? How do I install this package?

The gentoo install procedure is what some might call "involved". The install file is just a text file that tells you how to do it. It isn't a press and go distribution. It is a distribution designed for power users that want to optimize there system and want a lot of control.

Well, being a guy, I'll ask questions first and then I'll read.

I made in through installing 3 Linux packages on one hard drive and all booting (had to eventual bare down and research- i.e. read). I'll make it through this.

Thanks jtshaw for your comments

The official gentoo install guide is pretty thorough. I'd suggest reading over it a few times before you even try to install.