Ok, I downloaded a driver for my onboard soundcard, and I'm trying to install it. I got as far as unzipping the source code. The next step is:

Step 2. Turn on sound support (soundcore module, default turn on)

What exactly does this mean?? Am I to edit the /etc/modules.conf file? I can't find any 'soundcore module' on my computer or what I downloaded. Would someome provide a clear explanation of what to do here? Thanks in advance.

The authors are referring to the kernel configuration. You can either have sound support built into the kernel (so it's always present), or as a loadable module. This applies to most kernel drivers, just so you know.

An easy way to check if you have sound support enabled as a module is to run modinfo soundcore (soundcore is the name of the sound support module) as root. You can use the su command to become root temporarily (you'll see the prompt change to a # instead of a $ character to indicate you are the superuser) and do what you need, then type exit to exit root mode and become yourself again when done being root.

If you get an error saying there is no such module, sound support is built-in or not enabled at all (not likely). If the soundcore module is available you will get some more or less technical information about it.


Håkan

Thank you very much for your reply. When I type in the command 'modinfo soundcore' I get a response like 'filename: /lib/modules/.../soundcore.o, so it looks like it's already loaded by the kernel.

There's an INSTALL file which has different and more detailed instructions than the Readme.txt file. The first step there says to:

1) You must have full configured source for the Linux kernel which you
want to use for the ALSA drivers. Note that ALSA drivers are part
of the kernel, so there is necessary to resolve all symbol dependencies
between the used kernel and ALSA driver code. Partly installed kernels
(for example from distributor makers) can be unuseable for this action.

Talk about a bad translation to english. Anyway, I already have alsamixer v1.00 installed by SuSE 8.2 Pro. Will this replace what I have? If I need to, how do I 'resolve all symbol dependencies'? Forgive me for I am a "newbie", but I'm learning and have all the patience in the world.

I'm not really accustomed to SuSE, I have just installed it for a friend once so I'm not the best person to answer your question.

However, if you type rpm -qa | grep kernel you should get the exact version of the SuSE kernel package you have installed. You must install the exact corresponding kernel-headers package from SuSE in order to be able to build and install programs that rely on the current kernel configuration, such as Alsa (and other stuff, mostly other drivers).


Håkan

Now I'm even more confused.

In the YaST Control Center I pulled up as root, it already configured my onboard Realtek ALC650 sound card. Does this imply that I do NOT need to install a new driver??

In addition, I was pursuing this because I'm getting a high-pitched noise from my speakers constantly, which actually gets louder when I turn the volume down. I just rebooted now with a music CD in the drive, and it didn't make that noise for the first time! Then, after removing the CD, it went back to that noise! Argh! What's up with that?

I have no idea about the noise, but if YaST configures your sound card for you I think you should stick with that. No need to mess around with Alsa unless you really have to (poorly supported card, or if you use serious audio applciations that like Alsa).


Håkan

Hi,

I have an Lycoris Desktop/LX distribution, but I can not find any driver for audio Realtek ALC650 and printer driver for Canon SmartBase MPC200.

Can somebody help me in finding relevant drivers and installing them into my OS?
I'm absolute beginner - please don't kill me for such stupid questions.

Regards, Artur