kernel versions

[Paul Scott <waterhorse@ultrasw.com>]

Some basic questions - either direct answers or what fine manual to read 
would be appreciated.  I want to learn as much as I can about Linux but 
I also want to get this blasted LT WinModem installed so I can do my 
learning from my GNU Linux system.

What does pre17 mean as in 2.2.19pre17 ?

What kernel version(s) get installed from the official Debian 
binary-i386 potato CD's?

Since the only kernel headers I seem to have as determined by
apt-cache search
are kernel-headers-2.2.19pre17idepci and
kernel-headers-2.2.19pre17compact
how can I determine how my system is actually configured?
uname -r  gives  2.2.19pre17

I have installed kernel-source-2.2.19pre17.

I have read The Linux Kernel HOWTO, Installing Debian GNU/Linux 2.2 for 
Intel x86, and many FAQ's and more.

Thanks for any information,

Paul Scott