thanks to Serge and Bunyo. I'm learning all the time. I didn't know about the + key setting volume, but find it is already at max as is the system vol. The problem is I'm deaf so need extra volume.

As for the config files I'm no further forward. Whether I try as root or not I still get "permission denied" or "not found".

Could one of you tell me exactly what to type into Xterm from the point where it opens?

twynog