Configuring the new kernel is perhaps the most critical step in the kernel build process. One of the many reasons Linux is a critically acclaimed OS is its versatility. It's a common misconception to think that there is a separate Linux kernel code base for an (enterprise-class) server, a data center, a workstation, and a tiny embedded Linux device – no, they all use the very same unified Linux kernel source! Thus, carefully configuring the kernel for a particular use case (server, desktop, embedded, or hybrid/custom) is a powerful feature and a requirement. This is precisely what we are delving into here.
Do carry out this kernel configuration step regardless. Even if you feel you do not require any changes to the existing (or default) config, it's very important to run this step at least once as part of the build process. Otherwise, certain headers that are auto-generated here will be missing and cause...