the kernel is all that s truly linux, it is a single program started at boot, it loads a few basic operations and then initilises your hardware and gets the system going, it holds drivers and basic operating system. (
www.kernel.org) it is something u will need to mess w/ a lot if u become a majior linux poweruser. everything other than the kernel, like x-windows (
www.xfree86.org) gnome (
www.gnome.org), etc, are all programs that run on other programs that rely on kernel to get everything going and continue the system. these programs are generally gnu program (
www.gnu.org)
... Can u plz explain me what is KERNEL? i read a,lot of stuff about some problem i personally experienced and some people told me to change the kernel -to update i think- 
Someone who cares..... Thats an easy but yet extremely difficult question to answer for a noob. Post your problem.... That will be better... 
