Actually rpm-using has more disadvantages than advantages. I'm speaking about so-called dependencies.
When I tried installing smth last year ("using" Mdk9.2) I failed. Some dependencies weren't satisfied. And I didn't know where to get all the rest to satisfy them.
Now I just download a source, type three magical words, and everything works without any need to update smth.
If it doesn't, it tells me directly what to install in addition. This seems to be easier for a beginner...

You still have a Windows-user view on things

I've recently downloaded alsa-1.0.9rc and it's worser than my "old" alsa-1.0.5. So the lesson is: if smth works perfectly, there's no need to replace it with a new version.

kornerr--

I am glad you are trying to help this person as that is why we are here.

I must inform you that all dependencies are not a problem if the yum.conf file is configured properly. The key word is "properly". There are many places to go to for help on how to accomplish that. That is the point of using a tool like yum because the tools take care of the dependency problems. Thus, precluding having to compile from source--and of course there is nothing wrong with that. It is more difficult for new linux users, which is one of my points. Because you had Mandrake issues does not mean that compiling from source is the solution.

Second, I have a SB Audigy2 NX external USB sound card where that newest alsa drivers work best to take advantage of this particular card. This is after discussing this with advanced users in Linux and specifically Fedora. Thus, in my case, it is necessary to use the latest available. This is not necessarily having a "Windows-user view on things".


However, as you point out newest isn't always best. I very much understand that and agree. I hope you are able to help this person with their sound issue, which is what is most important.

I see I can't convince you to try another distro
Just don't forget that other distros exist, and try another one someday.
When I was using Windows I didn't think I miss anything.
When I was using Mandrake9.2 I thought Linux is VERY difficult and only developers know what's going on there.
Now, when I use Slackware10.0 I see Linux is very logical and easy so you can deal with every problem, provided you can read a manual.
[sorry for off-top]

mkoljack, so do you suggest to use alsa-utils from install disk and later update from internet using yum or up2date ? what abt the alsaconf utility ? do i still have to run it ? btw thanks guys for suggesting various methods.

#1) You have Fedora 3 installed. Is that correct?
#2) Are you using Gnome or KDE as your desktop?

Hi, yes FC3 installed and using Gnome. u mean take alsa-utils from every disk or just one ?

Regards
Daniel

Hi mkoljack, i've inserted the RPM install disk and double click on the alsa-utilsxxx.rpm file and it has been installed. A message box says it has been installed. Then i type "yum install alsa-utils" and the result is below. But i checked alsaconf still not existed. Should i use up2date first ? It hangs at the end of the download, so i abort it and straight to RPM disk install. Pls advise. Tq

[root@mp420 ~]# yum install alsa-utils
Setting up Install Process
Setting up Repo: base
repomd.xml 100% |=========================| 1.1 kB 00:00
Setting up Repo: updates-released
repomd.xml 100% |=========================| 951 B 00:00
Reading repository metadata in from local files
base : ################################################## 2622/2622
updates-re: ################################################## 865/865
Nothing to do


Regards
Daniel

Hi, mkoljack, any idea why below message is ?

[root@mp420 ~]# yum install alsa-utils
Setting up Install Process
Setting up Repo: base
repomd.xml 100% |=========================| 1.1 kB 00:00
Setting up Repo: updates-released
repomd.xml 100% |=========================| 951 B 00:00
Reading repository metadata in from local files
base : ################################################## 2622/2622
updates-re: ################################################## 865/865
Nothing to do


Regards
Daniel