How does a newbie install the GD2 package?

[BrandonGo]

Hi, I have a virtual dedicated server through a hosting company that is not any help to me. I have a client that needs the GD2 package install on his website so that he can use a CMS package that he used on his last server. I told him I would work on getting it upgraded so that all is well. I really wanted to install PHP 5.2.0 on the server while I was at it so that I could play with the new version, but I read that Plesk isn't compatible PHP 4.4+ (no big deal). When I was reading how to install GD2 using yum or up2date, I got completely confused. Bot yum and up2date were not recognized on my server. Am I that out of date?

My server specs are:
RedHat 9
Plesk 7.5.2
PHP 4.2.2
and I currently have "GD 1.6.2 or higher"

I have access to root through SSH. Can anyone help me? I JUST paid my next year in advance so I can't leave just yet (though I will NOT be re-newing with them).

Thanks guys,

Brandon