Hello, my distro of slackware (version 9.0) does not have the kernel source package installed, I have downloaded the source from kernel.org to the 2.4-20 kernel that I use. Although I should be able to recompile the kernel on my own the reason I cant do it and the reason some other things wont install is that it needs the kernel source installed. ( most likeley in /usr/src/linux ) yet how to get the source in there? What stuff from the source package at kernel.org to I put/install in there?

I tired right now So hopefully my question makes sense. thanks,

you probably downloaded the PATCH. Get the real complete source, untar it in /usr/src (tar -xzf linux-2.4.20.tar.gz) then create a symlink named linux in this directory (ln -s /usr/src/linux-2.4.20 linux).
Then enter this directory and recompile it...
If you don't know how to do, serach this forum, this have been asked at least 3 million times.

I have always preferred downloading and installing the pre-patched kernel from a slackware ftp mirror.

So get
THIS

and cd to the directory where you saved it to, then do installpkg kernel-source-2.4.20-noarch-5.tgz. You'll then have the source installed to the proper location.

This one looks about right.

Yet during all this 'research' compiling my kernel looks fun AND productive (WAY-HEY)

Using that source and on THIS slackware system Could you recommend/link me to a good howto on compiling my kernel? Preferably one that words with xconfig. (id imagine most of them do)

Thanks again. God this website rules.

The Linux-Documentation-Project
is always a good starting point ...

This is what you REALLY want :)
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Kernel-HOWTO/index.html

Not sure about the xconfig part, but I believe that
this is still the most concise document on Kernels ;)

Cheers,
Tink

Why not use the one on this forum, its never done me wrong.

Now...at the top of this forum is a good how to...lots of Q&A also. It pertains strictly to Slackware, and is a good guide for beginners and experienced alike. If you prefer xconfig, just substitute that wherever it states menuconfig.

On another note, Tinkster gave a good link which will shed some light on the kernel and compiling.

Goodie, I had tried out the kernel howto already but I doubt I had the correct source inside ( now I do) and since I accidentally printed it out 5 times Ill try it first. THanks.