Is there anything different about upgrading kernel in Debian?

[BK1]

I got my Debian install disk from Babbages. It is apparently fairly dated. I'm running kernel 2.2.12. I have apt-get update, apt-get install apt, and apt-get dist-upgrade. Everyting is running well, but I'd like to upgrade my kernel.
I did this once before in Drake 7.0, booting from hard drive. But since I boot Debian from a floppy I was wondering if there is anything different about the kernel upgrade.
I really appreciate your help.

[BK1]

I'm sure this is probably an ignorant question. But I want to make sure before I do another ignorant thing.
thanks