Just got a Touch Pro, so help a newb out.

[EVERYlosersHERO]

Alright, I just got this phone today as a replacement phone for one I dropped. I'm really digging the phone, but theres some issues. It's the Alltel version if that makes any difference.
My biggest gripe is the fact that the phone wakes up in my pocket when someone calls or send a text. I thought it was locked, got a text and when I go to check it, theres ALL kinds of programs running from it sliding around in my pocked. I read about the Slide2Unlock2, but I need an idiot's guide on how to install and use it and I haven't seen any extremely newb friendly info on it.
I'm also interested in anything I can do to speed up the user interface, and improve battery life. I don't want to change the whole OS, just tweak what I already have. Again, I need to this explained to me nice and slowly using small words so even my grandmother could understand.

Can anyone help the newb out? I've never had a reason to modify a phone, but the phone waking up in my pocket it totally unacceptable.