If you like to try out kernel patches try [b:5584796cef]Wolk[/b:5584796cef]
http://wolk.sourceforge.net .
It combines more than 400 patches to latest stable 2.4.18 kernel highlights includes :
1- Integrated ALSA
2- XFS file system supports
3- Improved SCSI driver support
4- Cryptographic hardware support
5- Port scan detection by using iptables
6- Many security pacthes ( Grsecurity one of best )
7- Nice boot logos instead of tux ( including Slackware , Debian , Gentoo , Wolk logos )
8- Preempt Kernel Patch
and more and more give it a try !