Is it safe to update your kernel?

[andy]

Is it safe to compile and install a new kernel, i.e., if something goes wrong, do I lose my system, or can I rescue it?

Andy

[joe]

You may compile your own kernel and name it differently than your currently running one. Then you can specify in GRUB or LILO two different kernels to boot from. If your new one doesnt work, then just select the working one at boot.

[falko]

And if nothing else works, you can use a rescue CD to rescue your system. That's not very difficult.