Patching "etiquette"?
 

I've discovered that I need to patch my kernel source in order to enable my wireless card (Netgear WG511). OK, fine, that's not a big deal -- but what sort of "etiquette" should I follow in terms of source maintenance? Make a full backup of the original source before patching? Make a localized backup? Something else?

Just trying to make sure I don't shoot myself in the foot when I have to solve my next issue...

Not sure what the 'standard' procedure is, but I would do the following:

If it's a "stock" kernel, save the .config file off somewhere and get on with patching. You can always download the same kernel, no problem.

If it's a dist-specific or otherwise modded/patched kernel, save the .config and the source tarball off somewhere.

Good luck.