trial on new laptop

actually can run 2.6 on this laptop, but trouble configuring a realtek 8169 net card and Azalia sound card.
the wireless card wait, as can some of the other stuff

the modules for the ethernet card and the sound card appear to be present but i don't know yet what needs adjustment on them

alsaconf does recognise the sound card, but i don't have a test file to play without a net connection