Gentoo, it is unlike (many) other Linux distributions in the sense that everything (or almost everything) is compiled/optimized using Gentoo's portage package management system. For the most part, it is possible to build every application/service/etc. that you wish without having to go through the standard configuration and scripting or outsourcing the construction of binaries (as is common with RH/Ubuntu/SuSE/etc.). I find Gentoo to allow enough control for my taste while not imposing too much cumbersome administration. There are a number of great resources for Gentoo users. Most do not need additional text to explain their function.
