Question: The [ping manual](http://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/maverick/en/man8/ping.8.html) says that `ping -a` will generate audible pings, but when I try this no sound is made.

What am I doing wrong?

Answer: 
`compiz` "eats" the sound and *this is a reported bug*, so it won't work in the graphical interface in standard `compiz` ubuntu sessions. (see [this bug report](https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/compiz/+bug/537703), thanks to Dylan McCall comment for the URL).

If you really need the functionality, you could run your `ping` from a physical console (`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F1`). But don't forget:

```
sudo modprobe pcspkr

```

As module `pcspkr` isn't loaded at boot time and actually drives the old PC speaker you should have in your computer.

You can add it to `/etc/modules` if you think you'll need it at a regular basis as this will have the effect to tell the system to load it at boot time.

**Note:** as it's a `compiz` issue, if you are using `gnome-fallback` session you shouldn't experience the issue. If this is the case, check your terminal program for options related to console bell.
[1](https://www.richud.com/wiki/Ubuntu_Beep_Audible_Bell_Ping_Fix) says it's missing a sound file. You can add it with the following command:

```
  pactl upload-sample /usr/share/sounds/gnome/default/alerts/glass.ogg bell.ogg

```

For a permanent solution add the command to ~/.xprofile