[RESOLVED] Compile Linux Kernel - from BIOS?

[noahssite]

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?

[tr333]

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.

[noahssite]

Thank you for the explanation and the links.

[wossname]

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