Kernel modification environment

Hi guys,
I currently have Ubuntu 8.04 LTS-Hardy running on my
machine. I am learning about linux device drivers and hence I have to
compile and run the kernel after modifications, also I have to insert my own
custom built modules. Please suggest how to create an environment that does
not mess up with existing running setup, when I compile and boot into my
custom built kernel.The issue here probably is that for all my custom
compiled kernels and the currently stable kernel, the filesystem is the same
and as a result when the custom kernel boots up, it probably screws up my
driver nodes in the /dev directory. I would like to keep the filesystem for
the custom compiled kernels seperate from the stable kernel installed from
the CD. Please suggest, how to proceed.

Thanks and Regards,
Praseen

PS: I have already lost my current stable installation of the kernel after I
booted into my custom compiled kernel :(

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