[RESOLVED] Compile Linux Kernel - from BIOS?

Laptop Information:
Manufacturer: Dell
Model: MXC06
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo

Currently this laptop has Windows XP installed. What I want to do is uninstall Windows XP (basically format the hard drive) and install Linux.

If, for example, I wanted to install the Linux Distro Debian, then I could simply put it on a CD and boot the computer from the CD in BIOS.

The issue is that I don't want to install a Linux Distro, I want to install the Linux Kernel. Correct me if I am wrong but the Linux Kernel is essentially the 'root' and 'skeleton' for the Linux operating system. After I install the Linux kernel I want to write my own distro in a sense, as I want to completely customize the Linux from the smallest function.

When I downloaded the Linux kernel off www.linux.org, it was a collection of C files. I can't simply put these files on a CD and boot from the CD, I must compile it first - right? So how would I load this kernel onto the computer? Do I compile it then put it on a CD to transfer it to the computer, then boot from that? Or do I put it on a CD and boot off that then the computer (Intel) will compile it in the BIOS?

Or have I misunderstood what the Linux kernel is?

I think you've misunderstood. The kernel is the part of the OS that talks to and manages the hardware. You can't do much with just a kernel. You need some higher-level stuff to be able to interact with it in any useful way (eg. commandline shell, window manager for GUI, etc.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_%28computing%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel

If you really want to "build-your-own" linux, then I would suggest Linux From Scratch.

If you're just starting with linux and decide you don't want to be bothered with all of that then I would suggest Ubuntu, as it's a bit more user-friendly for new users. They also have an awesome forum over at http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=326 which is great for getting first-time help with using Ubuntu and Linux in general.

Thank you for the explanation and the links.

Tr333 is right on the money, Linux from Scratch is the way to go.