If you are using Gentoo, here are some random tips, or more "how I use it".
## Emerge default opts
In `make.conf`, set: `EMERGE_DEFAULT_OPTS="--alert --quiet-build=y -v"`
First, `--alert` makes sure that your terminal window gets raised (depending on your window
manager) to notifiy you that some operation is complete. `-v` makes sure that emerge will
always print what it is going to do, so that you can intervene with Ctrl+C if needed.
`--quiet-build=y` disables printing the compile output (because who needs that, seriously?).
Instead, it will just show which package is currently beinge merged.
## eix
Make sure to install `eix`, for much easier searching in the portage tree. Run
`eix-sync` after installation, then run `eix keyword` to search for packages about a topic,
`eix -cA keyword` for abbreviated output or `eix -I` to match only packages that are installed.
The default coloring of eix sucks though; you may want to set: `export BG1=none BG2=none BG3=none`
## gentoolkit
Install `gentoolkit` to get explanations of USE flags on the fly, e.g.: `equery u mpv`
