Kindly help

["Getulio" <obi8@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All;
I am new to linux, coming from OS/2. I have a few problems that I hope you folks can assist me in overcoming.
Firstly, I am using the Debian distribution.
Problem 1.
I am using a matrox mystique w/4megs and try as I might with xf86config, I am unable to get to the 800x600x16/24 resolution. I seem to be stuck at 640x480x?
This does not allow gimp to run, as gimp complains of not enough pixel depth. I also try to use fvwm95 manager and I cannot figure out how to add programs into it.

Problem 2.
I cannot add sound to the system. I read the Howto's and tried to follow them but it seems that I need to recompile the kernel.
Which brings me to

Problem 3.
When I try make config or make menuconfig, it bombs requiring some sort of other prerequisite.

I am asking for your help in learning how to get control of the graphics modes, adding programs to the window manager and to the system and how to recompile the kernel to add features.

I would appreciate any help you may care to offer as I am somewhat limited on hard disk space and would like to go to all linux and alleviate the need for OS/2 on my HD.

Thanks for any help you may care to offer.

Getulio