In a perfect world, you could compile a brand-new Linux kernel without the need for much configuration and without error.
According to Linus Torvalds, the new 2.6.19 Linux kernel is such an entity.
"It's one of those rare "perfect" kernels," Torvalds wrote in a Linux kernel mailing list posting announcing the new kernel. "So if it doesn't happen to compile with your config (or it does compile, but then does unspeakable acts of perversion with your pet dachshund), you can rest easy knowing that it's all your own d*mn fault, and you should just fix your evil ways."