the kernel usually gets unpacked in /usr/src/linux/, if u run & save (x)config its saved as /usr/src/linux/.config .
read
here how to learn compile a kernel the proper way.
<Gratuitous Rant>
u see the problem with all these shinier-than-windows Windowmanagers/distro's is that by using the GUI, u loose all the real power linux posesses. it numbs the mind cuz it makes things easy without knowing whats "under the hood".
</Gratuitous Rant>