Having used both, here are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each.
Gentoo
Advantages
The latest versions of everything
We got KDE 3.1 really quickly after it came out
Compilation optimizations
Even your compiler is compiled with optimizations specific to your CPU
My machine feels faster
Get CVS apps with your package manager (portage)
You can 'emerge gaim-cvs' and get up-to-the-minute code
and you get it with the package manager, so you can uninstall easily
Learning experience
Gentoo requires you to configure everything from the logger to
your sound card. It's a very good learning experience.
Support
forums.gentoo.org is an excellent resource
Disadvantages
Time
It takes a long time to get started (2 days minumum)
A new KDE will take upwards of 24 hours to compile
Debian
Advantages
Sleak package management
Pakackages play very nicely together. I've rarely had a problem.
Security
The Debian security team does a great job keeping updates current.
Updates are fast -- no compiling
Support
irc.debian.org: 24x7 support. Good stuff.
Disadvantages
The Stable tree is oooold. Are they still using a 2.2 kernel?
To get anything worth using, you must run the testing branch
Does a lot of default config that I don't like.
--Dave
<quote who="Mark Gulbrandsen">
> Not to start a flame war or anything (seriously)....but....
>
> Is debian better than gentoo? Is gentoo better than debian? Why or why
> not? I haven't used debian much, but I can't ever go back to red hat or
> mandrake or suse after having used gentoo. Portage makes life so much
> easier. But I've heard people rave about apt-get.
>
> So, what does everyone think? Why one over the other?
>
> Does apt-get compile from source with custom arch settings?
>
> Are there a billion apps available with apt-get like with emerge
> (strictly speaking, portage)?
>
> How about release cycles? Gentoo always seems to keep up with the latest
> and greatest userland apps.
>
> Also, gentoo has every package configured very nicely and in context of
> their system layout. How about debian?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
>
>
> --
> If the future's looking dark
> We're the ones who have to shine
> If there's no one in control
> We're the ones who draw the line
> Though we live in trying times
> We're the ones who have to try
> Though we know that time has wings
> We're the ones who have to fly!
>
> No matter what they say
> No matter what they say
>
> -Rush, Counterparts, Everyday Glory
>
>
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