4 doubts on Kernel compilation (A dual boot Win-Lin Machine)

[<shyamk@eth.net>]

I was told that the following were the steps for making a kernel :
cd /usr/src/linux
make config
make dep
make clean
make bzImage
make modules

I have 4 doubts :
1. If I have made a kernel module , say  prn.o , does this automatically get entry
into a kernel through this procedure ?

2. Could somebody please tell me what
' make '  really is about ?

3. Could you tell me what each of the above steps is intended for ?

4. I am having a dual - boot Win - Lin machine . Will any form of kernel compilation
affect either :
    a. The dual - boot structire
    b. The Linux partition and OS
    c.  The Windows partition and OS

Thanks,
(shyamk@eth.net)
Shyam