After installation of slackware all sound volume is set to 0. You get a warning to remind you of this when linux boots.<br />
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One way to fix this is to run <code>alsamixer</code>, raise volumes and then run (as root) <code>alsactl store</code>.<br />
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This is a pain to do if you have a card like Soundblaster Live because it has so many channels (or whatever they are called).<br />
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An easier way to get your sound working follows:<br />
<pre>
alsaconf # will detect your card and raise the volumes<br />
alsactl store # will save the mixer volumes so a reboot does not reset them<br />
</pre>
Note that if you have a Soundblaster Live (and probably any other 4.1/5.1 card) 'Master' and 'PCM' volumes control only the front speakers while 'Wave Sur' controls the rear speakers.<br />
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Hope this helps.