[RndTbl] Kernel patches

[author]

 I've never messed around with kernel
 patches before, so I'd like to know, 
  is there anything to watch out for when
 applying a patch to a kernel ?
  For example, will I have to install other
  programs as well?
  Or is all of this taken care of by the patch?
  I've noticed that the 2.4 kernel has lots of
  patches. Will it make much difference if I
  apply them all, one at a time,  or should
  I download a new kernel instead?