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How do I have a module load on start-up?
Open '/etc/modules' in a text editor. I prefer nano. If a '#' is at the first character of the line, then that line will be a comment. It won't be executed. To include a module simply type in its name. For example, if I wanted to include the vfat module so I could read my win95 floppies, I would add:
#Floppy Modules fat vfat
You might have noticed that I included fat, as well as vfat. This is because that vfat requires that fat be ran as well. If you are unsure if you need another module to run the one that you want, simply run the command 'lsmod'. This lists all the modules currently running. If you have fat and vfat already running, notice that at the end of the line of fat, that is has '[vfat]'. That means that vfat relies upon fat. That is how you know what you need. You can use the command 'insmod' to insert a module into a running kernel. If you insmod vfat, it should automatically load fat as well. That is a keen way to figure out what you need, and add it to your modules file.
How do I add/remove things from my kernel?
If you'd like to add or remove things from your kernel without casting the linux spell, you can do so harmlessly with the usual process: cd to the directory /usr/src/linux. Now run the command make menuconfig to bring up the kernel configuration menu. This will also allow you to backup your kernel settings or load kernel settings. Of course, these changes take no effect until you actually cast linux.
How do I get a new or custom kernel after an install?
As root type: cast -r linux
This section, perhaps, should mention the new kernel tree option (newktree, olktree, etc) -- or at least, provide a link to such an article
How do I have modules auto-load via kmod?
Just compile kmod support into the kernel. If you are using menuconfig, this can be found under Loadable Module Support. Just enable the option: Kernel module loader. Now, whenever a module is needed, the kernel will automatically load it. If modules don't seem to be loading, you can have them load on bootup. See the previous question, How do I have a module load on start-up?
How do I get devfs into the kernel, as it doesn't seem to be in the filesystems category?
You need to enable experimental options way at the beginning of menuconfig. Then you should see it in filesystems.
Do not select automount on boot or any sub-option of /dev fs. SourceMage mounts devfs to /devices and leaves /dev with your standard mknod device files.
This information does not apply to 2.6 kernels, where the udev spell is the current method for maintaining a dynamic /dev filesystem
What about usbdevfs?
You may want to have usbdevfs enabled if you run usb stuff, and have the appropriate line in /etc/fstab, like this: none /proc/bus/usb usbdevfs defaults 0 0
This information does not apply to 2.6 kernels, as usbdevfs is now usbfs