Hey, check the HTC support website to check that you have the latest ROM build, you can find the version of the build you have on the phone by going to:

settings > about phone > build number

Compare this to the build number on the HTC support site.

The firmware refers to the android version you are running, at the moment 1.5 is the latest version available for the Hero, however HTC are working on a 2.1 version that should hopefully be available soon.

Download an app called "volume control", and check what sound level your alarm is set to by opening this app.

Regarding your sms problems, are you using the default application, or an app you downloaded?


p.s. Check out this guide down here too

 

Welcome aboard!

What does it say in Settings-About phone-Build number?

Pull down the notification bar and open the SMS from there - the notification should be cleared.

When you set an alarm, use the volume up/down buttons to set the volume.

 

I think that issue is from the HTC Messages Widget. When my SMS notifications dont go away, I just swipe over to my Messages Widget and it goes away. Oddly, it doesn't always happen. I haven't figured out why.

 

In the Alarm problem I had this and so did a few others, What he means is press on the Alarm Sound so it opens a list of alarm sounds, then press the rocker up and you should see the volume turn up from silent to the top in 'Alarm Volume'