[mehulved]

recompiling the kernel isn't such a big thing and in fact it is really good. You can have a look at gentoo docs on how to compile a kernel. Gives you a good idea. I once saw slackware kernel and realised how bloated these kernels are. Dunno about RH ones. But, it will be good to have your own kernel. I am sure you will find good tuts on that on the net.