This is a case where you most definitely want to read the HOW-TOs! The normal distribution kernels are compiled without sound support. The reasons are probably multiple, such as smaller size but in addition sound hardware is so "non-standard" that it is probably counter productive to even try to distribute a kernel with sound support compiled in.
You need to determine the type of sound card that you have. If yours is a listed card then things will probably go quite smoothly. The generally big problem that most encounter is that the vast majority of "compatible" cards are only "compatible" AFTER some sort of DOS based initialization program has been run. With the old "legacy" cards this _can_ usually be handled by "cold" booting to DOS followed with a "warm" boot to Linux. With the PCI and Plug-n-Pray cards I don't think that even that works (OTOH I think that PCI and PnP are also better supported). BE SURE THAT YOU READ THE <kernel-source>/Documentation text files for sound drivers! Install the kernel source (you probably need around 10 Meg free space). Install the "kernel-package": (debian/dists/slink/main/binary-all/misc/kernel-package_6.05.deb) READ the documentation in /usr/doc/kernel-package/ Manjo's "README.gz" is an outstanding document and will make kernel building a pleasure with the added benefit that the package management system will "know" about your new kernel and if you follow Manjo's advice then upgrades will not automagically replace your custom kernel. Personally, I strongly recommend that you compile the kernel for "modular" sound support. For many sound cards you HAVE to have the sound system in modular form (the kernel will fail trying to initialize a PnP sound card, which it trys to do before PnP is initialized). AFAIK there are no sound cards (that can be used under Linux) that can NOT be used as modules so... Note that for some sound cards you may HAVE to use a 2.2.x kernel and that is not a completely trivial upgrade to a slink system. If you do need to run a 2.2.x kernel be sure that you read the notes on the matter on debian.org (updates?). On Sat, Aug 07, 1999 at 01:50:31PM -0500, Jor-el wrote: > Hi, > > I wasnt too concerned about audio when I installed Slink. Now, > however, I feel the sudden desire to make my machine talk. The only > question is how. None of the audio modules required have been installed to > disk, and 'modconf' doesnt have any audio drivers listed. The install > guide doesnt make any mention of sound. How the heck do I get started? > > TIA, > Jor-el
