upgrade debian kernal

I am running debian base 3.0r0 and I need to upgrade to kernel 2.6.3. I would like to use menuconfig to build the kernel.  I am new to debian and have never compiled my own kernel before. What tools will I need to install/update before I can build the kernel?   Thanks Chris Lowe  

Modules for sata controler

2.6.x and I have a copy of kernel 2.6.1. The Debian installer gave me an option to install modules from a floppy disk. My question is how do I find the right Modules in the kernel and move them to a floppy that the installer can read? I have never compiled a kernel Thanks Chris Lowe -- To