Installing kernel without Yast

I have just downloaded the k_deflt-2.4.21-168i586.rpm for my SuSE 8.1. I would install it using these commands: rpm -Uhv --nodeps --force <kernel> then mk_initrd Is it right? I downloaded the source too (in tarball format). How can I install it? Better, where can I find any documentation? Thnak you. emilio