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Gentoo Linux — Simplified
CalamaroOS
A universal distribution built on Gentoo Stage 3 + Systemd, with the Calamares graphical installer to make Gentoo accessible to everyone. Official binary packages, source compilation when needed, Flatpak integrated and four desktop environments to choose from. The power of Gentoo, without barriers.
Gentoo Stage 3 Systemd Calamares Installer Flatpak EXT4 · BTRFS · XFS · F2FS 64-bit
Features
- ✦ Update · 2026.05.03 🖥️ KDE Plasma CalamaroOS 2026.05.03 New release of the Plasma edition, synchronized with the latest Gentoo updates. Introduces an important change to /boot partition management, applied starting from this ISO and coming to all editions: the partition is now permanently mounted and its size has been increased to 1 GB (unless manual partitioning is chosen). The change was necessary to resolve space issues caused by initramfs.img and to avoid warnings related to linux-firmware and the failure to install gentoo-kernel-bin, which previously required manually mounting /boot first.
- ● 2026.03.30 🪟 XFCE Desktop CalamaroOS 2026.03.30 The perfect balance between lightness and functionality. XFCE is GTK3-based, fast to boot and responsive in daily use, yet with above-average customization. Great for older hardware and for those who want a lean system without giving up flexibility. GTK3 desktop — fast and customizable Gentoo Stage 3 + Systemd Binary packages + source compilation Flatpak · EXT4 / BTRFS / XFS / F2FS Calamares graphical installer ⬇ Download CalamaroOS XFCE Sudo/root password: calamaroos
- ✦ New · 2026.04.06 ⚡ LXQt Desktop CalamaroOS 2026.04.06 The lightest and most responsive edition in the CalamaroOS family. LXQt combines the Qt framework's efficiency with a clean, modern interface, using minimal CPU and RAM. Ideal for very old hardware, virtual machines, or anyone seeking an ultra-fast system from boot to daily use. Ultra-lightweight Qt desktop environment Gentoo Stage 3 + Systemd Binary packages + source compilation Flatpak · EXT4 / BTRFS / XFS / F2FS Calamares graphical installer
- ● 2026.04.02 🌿 MATE Desktop CalamaroOS 2026.04.02 The classic environment par excellence, born as a GNOME 2 fork. Intuitive from the very first boot, light on resources and battle-tested over time. MATE offers a familiar and productive workflow, perfect for those who want no surprises and seek absolute stability day after day. GNOME 2 desktop — classic and stable Gentoo Stage 3 + Systemd Binary packages + source compilation Flatpak · EXT4 / BTRFS / XFS / F2FS Calamares graphical installer ⬇ Download CalamaroOS MATE Sudo/root password: calamaroos
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User Reviews
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I couldn't get the Nvidia driver to work, I followed the guide on the Gentoo wiki. I might be being stupid, but an ISO with this configured could be a good addition. No matter what I did, it only uses llvmpipe as the graphics driver.Reply from CalamaroOSPosted 2026-05-04
Hi, I'm fixing some things on CalamaroOS, increased the boot partition to 1 GB and permanently mounted it, and I haven't had time to provide any instructions. For the NVIDIA drivers, in addition to blocking the new ones, I need to work on /etc/default/grub. I'm off to work as soon as I can now, reinstall the NVIDIA drivers today, and post the guide. -
Tried this once Mate worked grate.Really wanted .Cinnamon ,decided to try plasma.Will hook to internet right away ,reboot no internet or sound.Tried mate again same thing.Really like this suspect minor bug.Cinnamon comes out and works will be a favoite in the herd.Thanks for your time and effort.
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I tried to install using the full encryption option after the installation finish. When I reboot it couldn’t find the encrypted drive. The installer works without the encryption option.Reply from CalamaroOSPosted 2026-04-25
Thanks for letting us know; we're on it. -
nvidia driver not installing,21 stcenturyReply from CalamaroOSPosted 2026-04-10
Hi, you can install the Nvidia driver by Trando. The Nouveau driver must be blacklisted and installed in the Nvidia drivers found in the Gentoo repositories. For xorg.conf, it must be done from the nvidia-xconfig terminal. On the PC with an OK GTX1070 on an old Nvidia card, I had to set /etc/default/grub. I promised myself a guide, I'm working on CalaroOS cinnamon. Let me know if you've solved it; if necessary, ask gemini or write to me. I assure you the Nvidia drivers work on Gentoo. :-) Let me know, if necessary I'll prepare a guide to put on the desktop and add it here in a file. -
This is very nice. FINALLY a Gentoo distro that will get you up and running, quickly and easily. At that point you are able to learn gentoo without going nuts. You still use Gentoo for its purpose , you learn it and its because of a easy to get going distro like CalamaroOS. Instead of installing Gentoo getting frustrated and giving up. This is so simple, this is as easy as installing Debian, Opensuse, Bazzite etc ... It is stable even though its rolling. I was easily able to install steam, brave, clam,qbittorrent, mame, and others. This may be the Gentoo distro you have been waiting for. And none of that annoying "Su-" command to sudo ... Give this a try. I think this one is going to be talked about alot in 2026. This truly is the first Gentoo distribution that anyone can get going on. Really Really Easy and Really good.. Do not fear The Gentoo :)
