I am a little confused with the way the sound server works.
I have RH 7.3 and KDE interface.

If the sound server is set to start automatically at starup, other programs like sound fx type of programs do not work..it says sound device busy, and if auto start is disabled. it says sound card is not full-duplex.
Now have couple of questions..what is meant by sound device busy and how to recongize if it is supported in full-duplex. Have installed the required drivers that came with mobo. It's nvidia generic onboard sound card. Does give full duplex operation on Windows.
Thanks..

Take a look at the sound server inside KDE.
If your card is busy, it's because it's currently in use.