Lutz Windus wrote:

> So the question is: can I install Gentoo from CD-ISO and later on do the
> time consumptive task of compiling kernel and programs that I need in the
> background, while still being able to work with it?

Why not compile Gentoo in the background of SuSE and then switch when
it's ready to use? All you need is a chroot, as described in detail
in the standard Gentoo installation guide. I recommend starting from stage1,
you should have a fast machine to do all the compiling properly.

This way, you still can use your current distribution while Gentoo compiles.

> How difficult is it to get a running Gentoo system by compiling everything?

Gentoo is really comfortable for a compile-it-all distribution, however,
if you're used to SuSE, you will find that Gentoo is a lot more complicated
than their WYSIWYG-System. You should only try Gentoo if you're willing to
read the Gentoo Docs, or Linux/GNU docs in general, and ask (either in
the forums or here) for help if you encounter any problems.

You don't have to worry about the compiling itself (once you set up your
make.conf), as it is all done automagically by portage.

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