Do you still use the handbook?

[CoderMan]

Do you still need to refer to the Gentoo handbook to complete a Gentoo installation?
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[Roman_Gruber]

Ok again:

Well each time I install a notebook, I only use notebooks I use the handbook and the internet!

Well I know the basic steps but I refer to the handbook and go through. Some things are very clear.

Basically I use first a gparted cd to set up partitions because I dont know how to calculate cylinders to get exact size (e.g. 25gb) partitions.

To set up network and encryption I use the internet.

Well I dont know how often do I set up a box.

My old notebook, 1.8ghz turion: 2 or 3 times
My new notebook: at least 3 or 4 times.

But some things arent documented so well. E.g. encryption of the harddisc or using encrypted swap space. So using the Internet is essential.

Well now I dont have a swap space, because I dont know how to set this up with tuxonice. Well It doesnt matter because the notebook has a hardware issue and so I install in the next days 2 cheaper notebooks each cost around 500 euros.

The handbook of gentoo is good. You can find the related steps.

I have set up Opensuse linux, but the documentation there is worse. How to install updates and so on
Redflag Linux is a pain in the ass, because I cant read chinese
Debian, I wanted to try it but I gave up then, when I started to read about it. 3 years old software, ...
Ubuntu + Arch linux: at least easy to isntall and to update, but in each, no hardware acceleration four your graphics card.
gentoo: I started 3 or 4 years ago again with linux and I read in wikipedia about distributions and gentoo was the only source based distro. If I wanted a binary distro, where is the point to switch to linux, I could have stayed in windows world. Binary distros have the same problems as windows have, they are so unflexible.
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[John R. Graham]

I voted "Yes" because I still use the Handbook lightly during an install and because it changes, ever so slowly, over the years. I've probably done on the order of 20 installs from ground zero and I do know most of it by now.

- John
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[d2_racing]

Me too, and for the record, I never print the handbook, I use SystemRescueCD to surf the net and I use my own installation Wiki to do my installation.

I double check once in a while if there's something new inside the original handbook.

[platojones]

I haven't used it in years, since I only re-install when I get a new box. But it's still the best-of-class and I don't think a noob could manage without it.

[disi]

Of course I use those:
Gentoo Documentation Resources
And those as well, especially for arm:
Gentoo Handbook
I prefer the "all in one page" version, sometimes you just miss something. Additional you have all the links in one place, like gentoo mirrors etc.
On the livecd, if you use one, it comes in handy to have the browser open and follow the steps.

At the moment my laptop is rebuilding and I need to remember to change the root password
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[96140]

I write the handbooks, and I still use 'em.

Not just for installs, but when I need to look up somethin' related to system administration. I also use the quick install guide when doing a regular install, referring to the main handbooks for anything else I need.

Most recently I used the handbooks when I was getting a Beagleboard up and running for SCALE 8x.

[Jaglover]

Quick install guide, I install only when I get a new box, doesn't happen often.

[XQYZ]

The past few installations I haven't used them. I don't think there's much to go wrong about if you already know Gentoo for a while. In my very recent installation I did use the "Setup Raid" guide in the Gentoo wiki.

[Frustie]

yes, i skim some parts, and also look up settings that ive previously forgotten

[keenblade]

I always check the handbook to see if something has been changed before an install. I sometimes take a quick look at it, even I am not installing, but just to be sure the preferred applications, and the way of installing (like localization) is current for my gentoo.
You know, this is a procedural thing, and there is always a risk that you forget something, if you are not installing often.
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[Roman_Gruber]

[depontius]

I don't install that often, so whenever I do, I'm not confident in my memory of the niggly little details.
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[bobspencer123]

I also now use the quick install ... but usually check out the handbook for any changes. I haven't done a complete reinstall in about 2 years though.
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[d2_racing]

[NeddySeagoon]

I still skim the handbook for my installs to make sure I don't miss something.
Also the install process is not identical between archs and I have x86, amd64 and SPARC installs.

I also refer to it in posts on the forums to keep Gentoo beginners on the rails.

Thanks for your writing nightmorph
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NeddySeagoon

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[Muso]

This one I'd have to vote both yes & no. There was a time when I didn't need it at all, I knew the steps for a stage 1 install by heart. But after having not installed it for a couple of years, I needed to have it open on another virtual terminal during my last install.
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[RedSquirrel]

I don't install from scratch very often, so I'd glance at the Handbook (or the Quick Install Guide) to be sure I don't miss anything.

Thanks for all your hard work, nightmorph.

[dlmalloc]

I keep it open just in case I miss something. I generally don't *need* it but it's nice to have it there.
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[aidanjt]

For x86 or amd64, nope, I remember the procedure off the top of my head.
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[SamuliSuominen]

I just use few line notes so I don't forget to install something like syslog-ng or set timezone before first boot.
The handbook itself works for that purpose too, though, double-check-list.

[d2_racing]

Indeed ssuominen, it's a pretty good checklist

[psic]

Excellent documentation was one of my bigger reasons for switching to Gentoo, quite a few years ago. Since then, I've never reinstalled my main box, but yes, I use the handbook for pretty much any installation (say 20 installations all together) on other computers. I have a few computers so internet access while installing isn't a problem - if nothing else, I always have my trusty EEE PC (the old 704) with me (runs Easy Peasy).

Hats of to nightmorph and everyone else who's helped to make this one of the best Linux distros around
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[avx]

In general, yes, but more as a quick reference as to what has changed. I.e. the netsetup changes every so often, that I sometimes use the wrong syntax - no biggie since I can handle it manually via ifconfig/route, but still, it's a good ressource and I espacially value the work of the guy(forgot his name) who is writing the "linux sea" to get something like FreeBSDs documentation.

[d2_racing]

It's Sven Vermeulen : http://swift.siphos.be/linux_sea/