The Debian system provides access to the kernel in several ways. There is a separate Kernel Image package that will allow you to install a ``pre-configured'' kernel image on the current system. There is also a Kernel Source package that will allow the custom configuration of a kernel and build a Kernel Image package as its output.
There are no preconditions in a Debian system that require you to use these packages. The kernel for a Debian system can be built without these packages and will work just as well. A discussion of how to do this will be instructive to more than just the paranoid individual who needs direct control over such important matters as a kernel. The following section will first describe how to construct and install a kernel without using the Debian packages, followed by a description of the differences and advantages of using the Debianized versions. As there are trade-offs for either approach the choice of method will be dictated by local considerations.