I would like to add that there is a possibility to update the sourcecode of the kernel, without having to download the entire source-code.
Every time a new kernel is released, for example v2.4.19 to v2.4.20, you can get this new version entirely or by applying a patch which will upgrade your current kernel-version to the next version.
You right about that...the reason I'had download entire source code..cause I wanna learn and "dive in" to Linux/*nix ..more seriously. And BTW I've already done both..Download entire source code or Applying path...
My mandrake Linux 9 have new kernel too (2.4.20) and I've been working on kernel 2.5.52(I haven't finished it yet..yupe...I know still unstable, I just wanna play around with this kernel things), but apparently...it's hard to get 2.5.52 on...