diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b3596a3..110854d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -13,7 +13,8 @@
 
 Before doing anything, edit the variables as the top of the `makefile`
 to reflect where you want the built tarballs to be exported, where you
-intend to install the tools, and what set of tools you want installed.
+intend to install the tools, what to build during the bootstrap phase,
+and what set of tools you want installed.
 
 NOTE: The `makefile` assumes RedHat/CentOS style package management.  That's
 because we run this inside of CentOS `docker` containers, even if we're
@@ -80,12 +81,6 @@
    One for the bootstrap build, another for the self compiling
    full tools build.
 
-   However, there are a few things that *are* required in the OS load,
-   because of boneheaded assumptions made by some open source packages
-   about where things live.  So:
-
-     `sudo yum -y install autoconf automake perl   # Or whatever package management system you use`
-
 2. Un-tar the bootstrap tarball created above into the proper location.
    Recall that this was saved with a date revision stamp.  So, before
    proceeding, we have to:
diff --git a/makefile b/makefile
index eba3f1e..9cc75ad 100644
--- a/makefile
+++ b/makefile
@@ -2,14 +2,29 @@
 
 # Customize the variables as desired
 
+# Where to store build tarballs
 EXPORTDIR = /shared
+
+# Where tools directory lives
 INSTALLDIR = /opt/TundraWare
+
+# Name of the tools directory
 TOOLS = tools
+
+# Things that have to be built during the bootstrap phase with system tools
+BOOTSTRAP = gcc make nload
+
+# Languages to install after bootstrap but before other packages
 LANGS = perl python
-MYTOOLS = emacs file-formula git htop joe nload nmap screen the_silver_searcher tree vim
+
+# Stuff we want pip to install
 PIPMODULES = ansible pew pythonz-bd
 
-# Nothing below here should need changing
+# Set of packages we want to include in the distribution tarball
+MYTOOLS = emacs file-formula git htop joe nmap screen the_silver_searcher tree vim
+
+
+# ----------- Nothing below here should need changing ----------- #
 
 TOOLSDIR = ${INSTALLDIR}/${TOOLS}
 BREW = ${TOOLSDIR}/bin/brew -v
@@ -23,7 +38,7 @@
 
 bootstrap-build:
 	@echo "Make sure you have the OS development tools installed!"
-	${BREW} install gcc make
+	${BREW} install ${BOOTSTRAP}
 
 bootstrap-release: tidyup
 	cd ${INSTALLDIR} && mv -v ${TOOLS} ${TOOLS}-bootstrap-${DATESTAMP}