Learning kernel internals: compiling, modules, file systems

[Alan Dayley]

OK, moving my employer to Linux is not going to happen unless I push it.  The 
best way to push is to do it.  First I must learn it.

I am asking for the best references on:
1 - compiling the 2.4.x kernel and all it's options
2 - coding drivers and when to compile them in the kernel or load them as 
modules
3 - the available file systems, how they work, how to install and use them, 
particularly journaling FS's and devfs.

My goal is to take a C language, DOS and 16-bit SCSI ASPI based testing 
application and port it to Linux.  I will worry about the UI choice (TCL?, 
wxWindows? etc.) later.  I first need to understand the file and SCSI 
subsystems, how to use them and determine if I need to create my own driver 
or if existing drivers can serve my needs.

BTW, we have purchased 
-O'Reilly's "Running Linux" 2nd edition (should have held out for the 3rd)
-O'Reilly's "Linux Device Drivers"
-O'Reilly's "Linux in a Nutshell"
And, of course there is the sources

As a 4th reference question, what training courses would anyone recommend to 
learn these same topics?  The boss likes either local or within a few hours 
travel (LA, San Diego, San Jose, etc.).

I am planning to use RedHat for now because that is a name my management 
knows well.

Alan