I remember having fun compiling the Linux kernel to enable experimental Hardware Support for some ATM cards. Funny thing is, I was successful in making it work. Heck, I was able to use Linux to bridge my ATM network with my Ethernet work - something which the lab's Windows servers could not do.

Recompiling the Linux kernel is not for the fainthearted but it is the only way to get a highly optimized and robust Linux kernel for your needs. By default, the kernel that comes with your distribution is bundled with drivers for different peripherals, which you actually do not have. Whilst others are now made into modules, there are still some code that you can omit when you make your own kernel.

So how do you go about it? It is fairly simple, really, but here's an article from Linux.com that gives you an idea how to do it.