Upgrading from Redhat to Gentoo
 

I still somewhat consider myself new to Linux.
I've been using it pretty consistently for the last 2 years though as a server.
My home server now is Redhat 8.0 I basically installed it bare naked and loaded php/mysql/apache/ etc, etc, myself. Because I wanted to know where these apps were installed. (Redhat seems to put these in funny places and makes it hard to upgrade, etc.)

So now, I think I want to move on to Gentoo. Heard nothing but good things about it. How would you all suggest I go about switching over? Like I said - I'm still new (maybe not as new as I might think - but probably :D) I don't even really know what files exactly make up the 'kernel'
>>insert noobie tard smilie here<<
Please be patient with me!
Thanks

Gentoo is nice for many reasons, but the fact that you can choose from a pretty wide selection of custom precompiled kernels, makes it nice for someone who is looking to build a very 'specific' box.

With Gentoo, you will have complete control over how your software is compiled and where it is installed if you like.

Not knowing too much about Red Hat, I would suggest attaching another hard drive if you have one and do a stage3 install to get your feet wet. Then install all the server apps you mentioned using their 'emerge' system. I have found that the default installaiton directories of the emerged programs are very intuitive and consistent. If you are feeling adventurous after doing the install, maybe play around with the make.conf file and do some custom build modifications as well.

Once you get the Gentoo drive working the way you like, you can use that old Red Hat drive for extra space on your server. :cool:

Have fun.

I have also heard many good things about Gentoo. I don't like the way that Redhat is becomming to Linux what Microsoft is currently to Win32. I was told that I should go from RH to Mandrake and then onto Gentoo. But I think I will relish the challenge of going straight to Gentoo!