A kernel might sound small but in all reality when it comes to Linux is the entire operating system or most of it. The first most important part of a kernel change is to insure your sources are up to date. Sources refer to where your packages or downloads are coming from when you use "apt-get". No matter if you are installing manually or have downloaded .deb files this is the most important step. To insure open terminal and type sudo apt-get updates followed by your password. If there are any errors in fetching packages or information, your source list needs to be updated.
For those that need more understanding for the apt-get command I suggest this link: http://linux.die.net/man/8/apt-get. For those looking to simplify adding sources to replace those "not responding" I suggest the following page: http://repogen.simplylinux.ch/. When your terminal is open, and you are trying to install updates, please be assured to pay close attention as any failure in a source not working results to a failure for the process of updating to fail!
Compiling a kernel yourself is not an easy task, is even touchy for the most experienced users. I suggest to check sites pertaining to the specific kernel you propose to update as to understand possible issues and/or problems. When using directions listed on Ultimate's forum, follow every step closely and do not deviate from the order. First step when compiling and most important is compiling the new compiler. If it errors out, do not go any further. If your compiler is not properly configured or working right, will not make the kernel headers and image properly. This will lead to not being able to boot into the new kernel.
As stated in last paragraph check for kernel issues. With the progression of a new kernel some files will react differently and move to an new path. Some programs associated with your older kernel may no longer work with the new kernel. Most programs update continually so last statement is only true for a select amount of programs that are not updated so frequently or that were only written once. New paths and locations are discovered to obtain better reaction/performance within an operating system as time progresses.
Currently, 3.7 is the newest kernel and has also changed the way the fglrx driver is initiated. Please disregard messages if your video performance is as it should be. Do not try to install fglrx from additional drivers in system settings. It will change the newer configuration to the older that does not work in the newer kernel. It must be left to work as it should, with the newer kernel and not against it! The change is significant as compiz now reacts properly as it should! Basically this means a noticeable less amount of error messages and desktop appears on screen properly and without taskbars only appearing in a minimal state or missing!
To avoid the time consuming method of compiling kernel 3.7 it can be downloaded in debian form(.deb). I want to also take the time to warn against 3.7 deb file ending with number 35. This version does not work properly and has a significant amount of complaints against it. Basically, it needs work! To my knowledge no repair is suitable. I was unfortunate to try this version and located no repairs for it that worked! So I can only recommend the 3.7 Exton as can vouch for its reliability! It is located at: http://extonlinux.wordpress.com/ and can be loaded very easily by using GDebi Package Installer. The only complaints on install refer to drivers that are no longer being used such as 2 drivers for network cards and these radeon modules available at: http://git.exherbo.org/summer/packages/ ... index.html. Although I have listed the link and personally have installed them, I find no difference!
Hope this helps in your decision to upgrade or not to a new kernel. Am fortunate now to understand some problem areas and will gladly assist if a problem arises. If not, rest assured there are others more experienced than myself that can aid when a problem exists! Thanks for your time in reading this and hope your upgrade will be the best!