Thisguidewillassumethatyouhaveadministrativerights,eitherasrootorauserwith[sudopermissions](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Sudo). Lines that begin with `#` indicate that they should be run as the superuser. Lines using `$` should be run as the indicated user, e.g. `pleroma$` should be run as the `pleroma` user.
Gentooquitepointedlydoesnotcomewithacrondaemoninstalled,andassuchitisrecommendedyouinstallonetoautomatecertbotrenewalsandtoallowothersystemadministrationtaskstoberunautomatically.Gentoohas[awholewideworldofcronoptions](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Cron) but if you just want A Cron That Works, `emerge --ask virtual/cron` will install the default cron implementation (probably cronie) which will work just fine. For the purpouses of this guide, we will be doing just that.
Ifyou'rerunningthisfromalow-poweredvirtualmachine,itshouldworkthoughitwilltakesometime.TherewerenoissuesonaVPSwithasinglecoreand1GBofRAM;ifyouareusinganevenmorelimiteddeviceandrunintoissues,youcantrycreatingaswapfileoruseamorepowerfulmachinerunningGentooto[crossbuild](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Cross_build_environment). If you have a wait ahead of you, now would be a good time to take a break, strech a bit, refresh your beverage of choice and/or get a snack, and reply to Arch users' posts with "I use Gentoo btw" as we do.
###InstallPostgreSQL
[GentooWikiarticle](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/PostgreSQL) as well as [PostgreSQL QuickStart](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/PostgreSQL/QuickStart) might be worth a quick glance, as the way Gentoo handles postgres is slightly unusual, with built in capability to have two different databases running for testing and live or whatever other purpouse. While it is still straightforward to install, it does mean that the version numbers used in this guide might change for future updates, so keep an eye out for the output you get from `emerge` to ensure you are using the correct ones.
Optional:Ifyouareusingsudo,reviewyoursudosetuptoensureitworksforyou.The`/etc/sudoers`filehasalotofoptionsandexamplestohelpyou,and[theGentoosudoguide](https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/Sudo) has more information. Finishing this installation will be somewhat easier if you have a way to sudo from the `pleroma` user, but it might be best to not allow that user to sudo during normal operation, and as such there will be a reminder at the end of this guide to double check if you would like to lock down the `pleroma` user after initial setup.
Itishighlyrecommendedyouuseyourownforkforthe`https://path/to/repo` part below, however if you foolishly decide to forego using your own fork, the primary repo `https://git.pleroma.social/pleroma/pleroma` will work here.
If that doesn't work the first time, add `--dry-run` to further attempts to avoid being ratelimited as you identify the issue, and do not remove it until the dry run succeeds. If that doesn’t work, make sure, that nginx is not already running. If it still doesn’t work, try setting up nginx first (change ssl “on” to “off” and try again). Often the answer to issues with certbot is to use the `--nginx` flag once you have nginx up and running.
If you are using any additional subdomains, such as for a media proxy, you can re-run the same command with the subdomain in question. When it comes time to renew later, you will not need to run multiple times for each domain, one renew will handle it.
---
* Copy the example nginx configuration and activate it:
* Take some time to ensure that your nginx config is correct
Replace all instances of `example.tld` with your instance's public URL. If for whatever reason you made changes to the port that your pleroma app runs on, be sure that is reflected in your configuration.
Pay special attention to the line that begins with `ssl_ecdh_curve`. It is stongly advised to comment that line out so that OpenSSL will use its full capabilities, and it is also possible you are running OpenSSL 1.0.2 necessitating that you do this.
* (Strongly recommended) serve media on another domain
Refer to the [Hardening your instance](../configuration/hardening.md) document on how to serve media on another domain. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you to do this to minimize attack vectors.
* Enable and start nginx:
```shell
# rc-update add nginx default
# /etc/init.d/nginx start
```
If you are using certbot, it is HIGHLY recommend you set up a cron job that renews your certificate, and that you install the suggested `certbot-nginx` plugin. If you don't do these things, you only have yourself to blame when your instance breaks suddenly because you forgot about it.
First, ensure that the command you will be installing into your crontab works.
```shell
# /usr/bin/certbot renew --nginx
```
Assuming not much time has passed since you got certbot working a few steps ago, you should get a message for all domains you installed certificates for saying `Cert not yet due for renewal`.
Now, run crontab as a superuser with `crontab -e` or `sudo crontab -e` as appropriate, and add the following line to your cron:
```cron
0 0 1 * * /usr/bin/certbot renew --nginx
```
This will run certbot on the first of the month at midnight. If you'd rather run more frequently, it's not a bad idea, feel free to go for it.
#### Other webserver/proxies
If you would like to use other webservers or proxies, there are example configurations for some popular alternatives in `/home/pleroma/pleroma/installation/`. You can, of course, check out [the Gentoo wiki](https://wiki.gentoo.org) for more information on installing and configuring said alternatives.
#### Create the uploads folder
Even if you are using S3, Pleroma needs someplace to store media posted on your instance. If you are using the `/home/pleroma/pleroma` root folder suggested by this guide, simply:
* Be sure to take a look at this service file and make sure that all paths fit your installation
* Enable and start `pleroma`:
```shell
# rc-update add pleroma default
# /etc/init.d/pleroma start
```
#### Create your first user
If your instance is up and running, you can create your first user with administrative rights with the following task:
```shell
pleroma$ MIX_ENV=prod mix pleroma.user new <username> <your@emailaddress> --admin
```
#### Privilege cleanup
If you opted to allow sudo for the `pleroma` user but would like to remove the ability for greater security, now might be a good time to edit `/etc/sudoers` and/or change the groups the `pleroma` user belongs to. Be sure to restart the pleroma service afterwards to ensure it picks up on the changes.
Questions about the installation or didn’t it work as it should be, ask in [#pleroma:libera.chat](https://matrix.to/#/#pleroma:libera.chat) via Matrix or **#pleroma** on **libera.chat** via IRC.