---
nav1: get-started
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title: 'Getting started with Gentoo'
navtitle: 'Get started'
---

<p class="lead">
  Installing Gentoo works a bit differently than other Linux distributions.
  <br>
  But don't worry, we got you covered every step of the way.
</p>

{% include hero-section/start class="get-started-livecd" %}
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  <div class="col-md-2 get-started-icon"><span class="fa fa-fw fa-power-off fa-5x"></span></div>
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    <h2 class="stick-top">Step 1: Boot a live environment.</h2>
    <p>We offer a variety of live environments that allow you to perform the installation.</p>

    <p>Choose between a lean Gentoo installation CD or use a LiveCD/DVD of any distribution you like.</p>

    <p><small>Gentoo currently does not offer LiveDVD anymore but it may return in the future.</small></p>
  </div>
</div>
{% include hero-section/end %}

{% include hero-section/start class="get-started-handbook" %}
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  <div class="col-md-2 get-started-icon"><span class="fa fa-fw fa-book fa-5x"></span></div>
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    <h2 class="stick-top">Step 2: Follow the installation instructions.</h2>
    <p>The Gentoo Handbook provides detailed documentation that guides you through the installation process.</p>

    <p>There is no installation program&mdash;you're the installer. That way, you can apply all the customizations you desire.</p>
  </div>
</div>
{% include hero-section/end %}

{% include hero-section/start class="get-started-go" %}
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  <div class="col-md-2 get-started-icon"><span class="fa fa-fw fa-rocket fa-5x"></span></div>
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    <h2 class="stick-top">Ready to go?</h2>
    <p>These steps are all described in the <strong>Gentoo Handbook.</strong></p>

    <p>Should you have any questions regarding Gentoo, or the installation process, we're here for you!</p>
  </div>
  <div class="col-md-3">
    <h2 class="stick-top">&nbsp;</h2>
    <p>
      <a href="https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Handbook:Main_Page" type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-lg btn-block"><i class="fa fa-fw fa-book"></i> Gentoo Handbook</a>
      <a href="/support/" type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-lg btn-block"><i class="fa fa-fw fa-life-buoy"></i> Get Support</a>
    </p>
  </div>
</div>
{% include hero-section/end %}

<h2>After the installation…</h2>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <h3><i class="fa fa-fw fa-comments-o"></i> Communicate</h3>
    <p>
      Meet the community on our Forums, mailing lists, and on IRC.
    </p>
  </div>
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <h3><i class="fa fa-fw fa-cogs"></i> Contribute</h3>
    <p>
      There are always things to engineer, build, fix, and document.
      Consider this your formal invitation to help shape Gentoo!
    </p>
  </div>
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <h3><i style="color:#d9534f;" class="fa fa-fw fa-heart"></i> Donate</h3>
    <p>
      Your support is vital to keep us running.
      Even little amounts help keep our servers online.
    </p>
  </div>
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <h3><i class="fa fa-fw fa-bullhorn"></i> Spread the word</h3>
    <p>
      Happy with the system you built? Tell the world about it.
    </p>
  </div>
</div>
<div class="row">
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <a href="/get-involved/" class="btn btn-primary btn-block">Get involved</a>
  </div>
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <a href="/get-involved/contribute/" type="button" class="btn btn-primary btn-block">What can I do?</a>
  </div>
  <div class="col-xs-12 col-md-3">
    <a href="/donate/" class="btn btn-primary btn-block">Help cover costs</a>
  </div>
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  </div>
</div>