Distropedia: Linux, BSD, OpenSolaris distro information source.

Gentoo is named after the Gentoo Penguin - the fastest and most agile of the breed. An appropriate name for this unique distro that melds itself to your machine and your requirements during installation. Whether for a server, a specialist workstation or a general-purpose desktop, Gentoo has the answer and everything will be optimized, from the kernel down.  Someone who knows Gentoo knows Linux and it is a distro for those whose technical skills have reached a level beyond we mere mortals. In other words, it can be damned difficult and is not for beginners. If you want a challenge (and the substantial personal rewards that can come with it), dive into Gentoo and swim with the most elegant, flexible and clever of penguins. Read more, if you dare, on the Gentoo Main Page.