I installed Redhat 9.0 with kernel 2.4.20-8. Using apt, I downloaded and updated the kernel to 2.4.20-31.9. I tried to install the NTFS rpm for 2.4.20-31.9, but it kept telling me that it required 2.4.20-31.9. I receive a message saying that it is installed but is not currently in use. First of all, where did it get installed? It's not in the ./boot directory. Second, how do I update grub.conf to allow booting from the new kernel?

I have since downloaded and installed the 2.4.20-8 NTFS rpm which works great. I would like to be running the updated system though.

Is there a better way to update my kernel than through apt?

Best way to install a new kernel, is to downoad its sources, and compile it yourself.
google around, and you should find lots of manuals on the internet to help you compile the kernel.

goto http://kernel.org and download the sources. i would recommend 2.6 instead of the 2.4 series for better ntfs support.

the grub configuration file is in /boot/grub/grub.conf .