^download source, configure, and after you've found all the libs you need, make.
On my Suse Laptop I was having fits getting PHP to compile with IMAP support finally got pissed off , removed the "packages" for SSL, kerberos, IMAP and several other support libs; taking a few other applications with it.
After stripping down the OS downloading source and compiling the support files and libs, I was then able to compile and run the sources that I used to set up my dev box. Now, while not mirrored, they are very similar and work out of hte house is not a pain in the ass.

Cinelerra is a complex application with many dependencies, I compiled it on my Slackware box but took the time to read the README file and resolve dependencies before compiling. This took a good deal of time but once compiled it ran flawlessly. Was a hell of a lot more than I needed or wanted and I removed it, but, that's a different story. With packaged software you are relying on someone else to resolve all dependencies for you and ensure they are checked and downloaded for you. Compiling, in some cases, is far more reliable and easier. I

Quote Originally Posted by NickA
but my drives now show up as /sda rather than /hda
you bought a new mother board with SATA drives where before you had IDE right?