[ Thanks to Erik for this link. ]
“The kernel is a file that is the most important part of any
operating system. The kernel sets up a basic interface between the
hardware and software. It’s also what distinguishes Linux from
other Unix operating systems. Most of what people think is
Linux is actually from the Free Software Foundation and other GNU
authors. In addition to hardware, the Linux kernel is responsible
for supporting protocols like TCP, IP, PPP, and all the filesystems
out there.”
“Compiling the kernel should be one of the easiest things to do,
but as with most things dealing with Linux, there are problems
people encounter along the way. Let’s just save that thought for
later.”