can't figure out how to load the Eris 2012 patch

[jumbohotdogs100]

I have looked around the web for a good 30 minutes and have even attempted using a couple programs (one titled SMILE, for instance) and have had little to no progress on understanding what's needed to be done. I ask that someone be kind enough to assist this n00b as I have only gotten used to having an IPS file and copying/pasting/renaming the main game as the IPS file

[personitis]

How to patch and play Romhacks
.ips files are not the game itself, but a patch file that contains the necessary changes to compile that hack. It is also important to mention that Eris 2012 (as hosted on our main site) is for headered ROMs. The rest of what anyone would need to know can be found in the first link.