Hi, i'm a newb to linux and really want to give it a go. Since I first started using a computer I have always used windows but got sick of it crashing and freezing up on me so i've decided to try something new.

After reading up on linux a bit I downloaded and installed mandrake 10.2 last night. All went well and the installation was easy. setting up my network and internet was a breeze, much better than XP where I could spend hours trying to work out why my network had failed when all the settings were exactly right.

My only problem is the lack of sound. The drivers are there, and the card is recognised by linux's equivelant to device manager in windows. At first i thought it was the drivers so I tried installing new 'alsa' ones from here - (had to remove link)

This being the first task I have ever carried out in linux, you can imagine the headache it gave me. And even worse was after installing the drivers and activating them, I still have no freakin sound! and yes I have checked if it's on mute.

I really like most of what i've seen from using linux in the past day, however if I can't play my music i'm gonna have to switch back to XP.

Can anyone help me with this??

fixed it ... kinda

After re-installing the alsa drivers I found that it works if i plug my hi-fi cable into the headphone socket instead of the normal output socket. Not optimal but i can live with this.

Now to install counter strike .....