I'm happy to report that after downloading and burning another iso from another site, I have successfully started Knoppix 3.8.1 with an X server and kde. Please note that no strange cheatcodes were required (except noapm which I did try with the other CD).

So I am trying out the latest versions of all of the packages and am as happy as a pig in a poke (I am in the Heart of Dixie). Thanks to everyone offering ideas and assistance - that's testimony to the forum and the community.

I am posting this from the konqueror web browser from the live CD just so you know it's really working.

roofer