More gnome-redhat trouble

I'm using gnome 2.0 on redhat 9.  As I wrote before, I can't add to the 
start menu or change the properties of an item.  (The suggestions I 
received last time I asked about this were worse than useless.)  It's 
been suggested by chat that I upgrade.  What's the best way?  I have 
apt-get if that's the way to go.
-- 
Things aren't always as they seem
skim milk masquarades as cream!
  --Luke Redbeard