I downloaded and installed the rpm kernel files. They successfully installed
(one dependency that was on cd #2). I rebooted and it was still showing the
old kernel so I updated the symbolic links in /boot that hadn't been changed
(not sure if that was supposed to have been done by the install or not). I
booted back (with butterflies, if you know what i mean) and it booted fine.
Although I was a little worried because the boot was so much faster than with
the old kernel. It is amazing how much faster. Now to see if it will support
my USB stuff any better (HP DJ882C printer primarily, Sony Spressa CDRW).
My setup in case you don't have it by now: Imac DV 400 (slotloading)