Compiling The Linux Kernel

Each item has a help section - read it.
Each help text contains a suggestion of what to do if you're not sure. Use these suggestions, indeed.
The first time around, take a tour around the different options, without changing them.
The configuration process generates a file called ".config" in the top directory of the kernel sources. Keep a backup before making changes.
Don't configure a kernel when you don't have enough free time - it's a long task (1-2 hours) the first time around.
Do not despair - eventually, you'll configure kernels in 5 minutes ;)

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