empkernel or emporer kernel = the emporer version of the linux kernel
linux distribution = kernel and all the other stuff that make up a full operating system
emporer linux = fedora linux (free version of redhat linux) with emporer kernel, emptool utility and probably some other stuff and tweaks
EmporerLinux Inc is not quite sure if they offer a EmporerLinux distribution or not.
They offer conflicting views on their website.
quoting http://www.emperorlinux.com/faq/?cat=15#3
quoting http://www.emperorlinux.com/quality/value/distros/Q: Is this a new Linux distribution? ( by ldurey on Oct 11 04, 13:54 )
A: The short answer is, "No, EmperorLinux is not a Linux distribution."
We are a value added reseller of top tier laptop computers with Linux pre-installed and pre-configured.
EmperorLinux provides service and support to the Linux laptop community, pre-installing the major Linux distributions (such as Fedora, Ubuntu, Red Hat, Debian, SuSE, Slackware, and Mandrake) on laptop and notebook computers produced by major manufacturers (such as Dell, Lenovo, Panasonic, Sony, and Sharp).
We do collect software packages above and beyond the base installations of these distributions and recompile the kernel in order to make all the hardware on cutting-edge laptops and notebooks work under Linux. However, we have not collected these changes into our own "EmperorLinux Distribution." Because of the highly changeable nature of cutting-edge portable computers, this simply isn't feasible. We also believe that you should be able to get a supported laptop with the Linux distribution you are familiar with.
EmperorLinux $0
Our own EmperorLinux is based on the latest Fedora (released every 6 months), specially modified for optimal performance in a portable environment. We tailor the system to best meet the needs of our customers, including the addition of our own custom kernel (the empkernel) and laptop-specific utilities to make using Linux on a laptop that much more enjoyable. EmperorLinux is fully compatible with all the most popular RPM updating applications (including up2date, Yum, and RHN) so if you have used Red Hat in the past, then we will recommend the Fedora-based EmperorLinux to you. We also offer older Fedora releases (depending on your hardware) if your company or research lab has standardized on those earlier versions.
so, install the latest fedora linux distribution
install the empkernel (binary rpm probably okay, no need to recompile if you are using the same fedora version that emporer linux is based on)
install emptool
install all laptop stuff from yum / rpm package manager
add some toughbook wallpaper
... and you should be pretty close to the real thing[tm] ;-)
You can also ship them your system and they will install emporerlinux for you:
http://www.emperorlinux.com/depot/
then you copy the disk with dd or partition magic and have as many emporerlinuxes as you want