How do you set/change kernel parameters?

[Pete Clapham]

Hi, all --

I want to load Oracle on my Ubuntu server, and to do that I need to set 
or change some kernel parameters (eg. semopm, which I haven't seen any 
listing of on the help pages).  Does anybody have a handle on how one 
sets or changes these parameters?  For example, is there a conf file 
that one should edit (I hate vi), or is there a system application that 
will get all the syntax correct?

Thanks for your help.

cheers,
pete