I think this is more a 'Newbie' question than 'Distro'.

Goal: Install drivers for my Dual Port Intel® 82546EB Gigabit Ethernet controllers.

Object: Install kernel source code.
Why: Upon driver 'make install' I receive:
"Makefile:65 *** Linux kernel source not found. Stop."

Question:
How does one go about installing the kernel source code? I'm using RedHat 9 w/ 2.4.20-8smp kernel. If I haven't misread, there should be an rpm on the srpms discs but I can only find it for "kernel-2.4.18-3.src.rpm". I've also looked on kernel.org and found "linux-2.4.20.tar.gz". I know there is a way to build an rpm if I were to use the tarball. In the not too distant future I'd like to get around rpms and learn how to do things on my own. But for the moment, my priority is getting my server up and going so I'm wanting to keep things simpler. Any pointers here would be most appreciated!

Specifics:
1) after the 2.3.xx, what does the "-x" mean? I know "smp" is 'dual processor' but if anyone knows what the acronym stands for that would help too.
2) is there another place I might find the 2.4.20-8smp source rpm?
3) if the 2.4.20 tarball has the src I need, at what location should I have it reside so that it can be found when attempting the 'make file'? I imagine '/usr/local/src' will be part of the directory. Furthermore, is there anything I should do concerning the default paths that linux will look in for similar system information?

Notes:
I'm using the 2.4.20 kernel because for whatever reason, that is the kernel recommended by the README of the latest version of my ethernet controller driver. If there are any recommendations on how to upgrade to a new kernel safely concerning that driver, it'd be a help, but for the time being I want to just get things setup before I dig in and learn anything more complex.

-------

I'm about to unpack the 2.4.20 tarball, but I don't think I know enough for that to make a significant difference so, in essence, I'm posting this before I've explored everything available. I know that that's generally a no,no in asking for help, but I think part of good questioning comes from knowing one's limitations.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
*cheers

- permanooB
(because there will always be something I'm a noob at).

*public note to self.

When install discs say 'shrike' and srpms discs say 'valhalla' there's something wrong.

PS. Brevity is your friend.