Spawn multiple threads when compiling applications.

[StrCrssd]

A tip that's particularly useful on multi-processor machines (single proc guys, this will slow you down...don't bother).

Add the line

MAKEOPTS="-j3"

to the make.conf file. This will instruct make to spawn 3 processes; 1 for each processor, and 1 to soak up any additional cycles. Please keep in mind that it is possible for this to break some compiles. If you are having difficulty with an emerge, try commenting out the above line and try again.
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StrCrssd

Give a man enough rope, he'll hang himself. Teach a man to make rope, he'll hang other people.