Gentoo dot DIY - One-Curl Gentoo Installer
A streamlined Gentoo Linux installer wizard for Intel/AMD64 systems that prioritizes simplicity. This is not an official Gentoo project.
Features
- Single command installation with sensible defaults
- Auto-detection of hardware: UEFI/BIOS, CPU, GPU, disk types
- Kernel flexibility: genkernel, manual, or unattended build
- Filesystem choice: Ext4 or Btrfs
- Network support: Automatic Wi-Fi fallback with iwd/wpa
- Hardware-specific optimizations for ThinkPad, Dell, and HP laptops
- Virtualization support for VirtualBox and QEMU/KVM environments
- NVMe suffix handling, dynamic swap sizing, and proper partition detection
- Security with UFW firewall enabled by default
Quick Install
curl -L https://gentoo.diy/install -o install
chmod +x install
./install
Installation Steps
- Boot from Gentoo LiveCD/USB
- Run the installer command
- Select target disk when prompted
- Configure:
- Network (automatic or guided Wi-Fi setup)
- System details (hostname, passwords, timezone, locale)
- Hardware options (swap size)
- System type (kernel method, filesystem)
- X server support (optional)
- Wait for installation to complete
- Reboot when finished
System Requirements
- CPU: 64-bit Intel or AMD processor
- RAM: Minimum 2GB (4GB+ recommended)
- Storage: 20GB+ free disk space
- Boot Media: Gentoo LiveCD/USB with working internet access
- Internet: Wired connection recommended; Wi-Fi supported with fallback setup
- Graphics: Compatible GPU if X server option is selected
Included Software
- Networking: NetworkManager with iwd for Wi-Fi management
- Power Management: TLP and powertop for laptops
- Security: UFW firewall, sudo configuration
- System: OpenSSH server, sysklogd
- Optional: Basic X server support (if selected)
Options
Kernel Methods:
- genkernel: Guided configuration with menuconfig
- manual-interactive: DIY kernel compilation
- manual-AUTO: Unattended build with defconfig
Filesystems:
- Ext4: Standard Linux filesystem (default)
- Btrfs: Advanced filesystem with snapshots
X Server:
- Optional minimal X server installation
Manual Kernel Compilation
If you selected manual kernel configuration, follow these steps after installation:
- Access your system: Either boot to your new system or chroot from LiveCD
# To chroot from LiveCD:
mount /dev/sdXY /mnt/gentoo # Replace with your root partition
mount /dev/sdXZ /mnt/gentoo/boot # If separate boot partition
for fs in proc sys dev; do mount --rbind /$fs /mnt/gentoo/$fs; done
chroot /mnt/gentoo /bin/bash
source /etc/profile
- Configure and compile kernel:
cd /usr/src/linux
make menuconfig # Interactive configuration
make -j$(nproc) # Compile the kernel
make modules_install
make install # Automatically installs to /boot
- Update bootloader:
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
Post-Install
- Remove installation media and reboot
- If you chose manual kernel, compile it before rebooting
- Use NetworkManager (
nmtui or nmcli) for network setup
- Laptop users: Power management is pre-configured for optimal battery life
- System security: UFW firewall is enabled by default
- Wi-Fi users: Special drivers are auto-installed for Intel and Broadcom chipsets
Happy Gentoo! For more information about Gentoo Linux, visit the official Gentoo website.
Troubleshooting
- No network: Use NetworkManager tools to configure (
nmtui or nmcli)
- Missing firmware/drivers: If hardware isn’t working, you may need additional firmware packages:
emerge --ask sys-kernel/linux-firmware
- Virtualization issues: Guest additions are automatically installed for VirtualBox/QEMU
License
GNU General Public License v3.0
Acknowledgements
This project aims to make Gentoo more accessible while still maintaining the flexibility and educational value that makes Gentoo special. Thanks to the Gentoo community for creating such a powerful distribution.
Note: This is an independent project and not affiliated with or endorsed by the official Gentoo Linux project.