installing tpconfig for alps touchpad
 

Hi, I'm a very newby,
I downloaded tp config from www . compass.com/synaptics/ to allow my touchpad to have the same facilities like in windows, I'm running mdk 9.1 with kernel 2.4.21-0.13mdk on a laptop acer aspire 1400 xv with alps touchpad, but I have some problem on its installation and running.
1) have I to install the patch 2.2.17-psaux-exclusive-patch ???? because my kernel number is higher than the patch
1a) with the command "patch" or "kernel-patch" ???? I tryed both but "patch" gave me errors and "kernel-patch" only said me the kernel version was 2.4.21
1b) how can I be sure if the patch is applyed or not ??????
2) have I to put the script in /etc/rc.d/init.d ???????
3) have I to recompile the kernel ?????
many thanks
pier