persistent new kernel woes

[Bonez]

I have pestered the list about this, but I'd really like to get my kernel 
upgrade working with 2.4.20 from 2.4.2. 

If anyone on the list would oblige me in a short real time discussion, using 
ICQ; 12212330 or Yahoo: sanchiro12

Thanks for any help, 

Scott

p.s. What I am hoping can happen is that I can get help identifying exactly 
what hardware I have, and to see what modules are loading at boot time, and 
then to review and list what I need to specifically compile in to the new 
kernel. Also, hoping to review my /var/log/messages to see what clues it can 
provide. I appreciate your help Lonni, and the help of others..I just think 
this would happen much more efficiently in a real time conversation.