Stuff for Gentoo Servers

I've set up a lot of servers using Gentoo lately, so I've collected a few things that I really don't want to be without on a server. In no particular order, here's what you really have to install after the first boot (or while still in the chroot if you prefer):

• screen
• sudo
• mirrorselect (the automatic modes work too!)
• ccache
• logrotate
• syslog-ng
• vixie-cron
• slocate
• vim
• gentoolkit
• netcat
• iptables
• htop
• localepurge
• logsentry

For ccache you need to make some changes to /etc/make.conf, in my experience even if the emerge message tells you that things are going to be configured automatically. Add this (whatever size you want):

• FEATURES="ccache"
• CCACHE_SIZE="1G"

In terms of USE flags in /etc/make.conf, most servers can do without a lot of stuff that just costs time in recompiles and installs. All of the following should be OFF, that is with a minus in front:

• nls (although some packages sort-of want it after all, sigh)
• fortran
• java
• X
• xorg
• qt
• qt3
• qt3support
• qt4
• gtk
• gtk2
• gnome
• kde
• wxwindows
• sdl
• cups (unless you're running a print server of course, lol)
• alsa
• oss
• pcmcia
• wifi

There are also a few USE flags that you should consider switching ON instead:

• lzma
• bash-completion (you still have to enable it using eselect)
• vim-syntax
• ssh
• ssl
• threads

I am sure I'll find some more useful stuff, and I am sure I forgot some things as well. I'll update the post as I make more progress. :-D