begin response to small rant ... I have used Linux for quite a few years now (when did CorelLinux first come out?) and AT&T UNIX before that. I'm a rather technical user. I have NEVER compiled a kernel. *I've never had to.* So your casually-mentioned-phrase "once you get in the swing" glosses over a process that may be well beyond the comfort-zone or capability of many Linux users. (My lovely Linux-using wife would be completely lost from the start.) I still don't understand why distros don't routinely include RT kernels as an option in their repositories.