3.8.1 on Inspiron 8600

Since the 3.8 version of Knoppix is supposed to support the Centrino wireless in this Inspiron 8600 I was excited to give it a try, but I'm having two problems. Linux is still a challenge for me, so please be very explicit and take it slow. Thanks...

--1--
Although I can ping my gateway (192.168.0.1) I can't browse anywhere. The route command shows (I think: I don't know this stuff very well) that there isn't a default gateway being configured. Where do I start to figure out how to get wireless working?

--2--
The sound isn't working. The speaker icon in the panel next to the clock has the red circle and slash over it, and it says it can't "find the mixer". I have no idea how to start to figure out that one.

Any help?

Weird. Finally got back around to booting Knoppix on the 8600 today, and like magic, the wireless started to work. Maybe I had a bunk CD burn before, maybe changing the boot order (which is the only thing I did different today) changed it, I don't know, but it just worked.