Python Install

[D]

I'm sure this is an easy question for most here, but it's throwing me
for a loop at the moment - I need to upgrade RHEL 3 with the latest
version of Python.  I downloaded the source and installed, but we're
still having problems (i.e. some Python apps don't work, Add/Remove
Applications console errors out and doesn't open, etc.).  My guess is
that it's using old libraries or otherwise conflicting with the old
Python version, but I'm not sure how to remove the original version.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!