To build and install a package you choose, simply type emerge with the package name:
# emerge bzflag
To update your Portage directory tree so that it contains the latest information to install software packages, type the following:
# emerge sync
To get your Gentoo system up-to-date, use the -uD world option. The following command checks all the software packages you have installed on your computer, and then goes to a Gentoo mirror site to download and install the latest versions of each of those packages:
# emerge -uD world
To view the many other options available with emerge, type man emerge or run emerge with the help option:
# emerge -h | less
You can use emerge to install packages contained on your local computer or have the packages downloaded automatically from Gentoo software mirror sites. During the build process, emerge handles getting all the dependencies that the software you choose requires.

Summary

In just a few years, Gentoo distinguished itself as a premier distribution for Linux enthusiasts who are interested in complete control of the components and settings of their Linux systems. The jewel of the Gentoo system is the Portage package management system. Using the Portage emerge command, you can install any of thousands of Gentoo software packages. Those packages can be downloaded and built from scratch, using settings you choose, to tune them for how you use your Linux system.

An improved Gentoo installer that is bootable from the Gentoo live CD has made it much easier to get started using Gentoo. Using the more detailed minimal installation, also contained in this chapter, you have more opportunities to tune and tweak your operating system exactly as you want it to be.

The continuation/full version of this article read on site - www.podgrid.org - Linux Bible