Greetings,

it is my understanding that if I use a kernel that comes with a distribution, I can just apply (security) patches and updates to the kernel without re-compiling. However, if I re-compile a kernel, e.g., to remove support for hardware I do not have and/or to add support for a file system, every time a patch and/or update is provided, I will have to re-compile the kernel anew.

Is the above correct?

Thank you,

M

No, your patching kernel sources and then you're recompiling it. By the way, it's quite unusual to have to recompile by yourself the kernel... Your distribution will provide you a kernel that fit 99% of your usual needs. And the kernel will be updated as soon as your distribution will release a new one, and this is done through your package manager.
By the way, if you really need (or why not, just want) to recompile your own kernel:

-get the sources from kernel.org, or through your packages manager, but often distributions add some changes to the mainstream kernel.

-get your current kernel configuration file (often in the /boot directory)

-configure and compile

-install

If you want to go for the adventure, you'd better find a tutorial which explains this.

Some distros have quite some slick procedures to apply patches and compile kernels.

Why not state your distribution?

jlinkels