Question about Kernel Device Support...
 

I was compiling my kernel today, and I noticed that in make menuconfig, most of the generic drivers are selected and not a whole lot of manufacturer specific drivers. Shouldn't those be compiled as modules too? This is my second time compiling a kernel so I really don't have much experience.

A static image is faster than a dynamic (using module) image. Less modules is also faster, because it make less probing for device id (very little gain, but you save 100mb disk space too). If you don't need something, don't build it. If you are not sure if you will ever need it, use modules. For things that you are sure to use, make them built-in. By following those rules, your computer will boot faster, take less memory in both ram and disk.

hi

before kernel compilation, you can learn what you have with the help of lspci. according to the result, you can select which drivers should be compiled or not.
btw, dont forget to compile the file system and hdd related modules as built-in.