Thanks for your reply Forester.

My graphics hardware consists of Graphics Card: eVGA GEforce GTS 450 1 Gb GDDR5
and dual LG W2052TQ Monitors, 20", resolution 1680x1050.

My posts are being delayed by moderators, apparently because I'm new on the forum, so that is hampering the conversation somewhat. As a result, I've had time to explore my original issue (failed install of ubuntu), and have found that the new HD of my new pc has failed. I'm now waiting for it to be replaced, so my original need for knoppix is somewhat dimished.

However, as soon as the box comes back to me I'll try the things you suggest and will post the results.

Your point about mainstream distributions being able to recognize my graphics hardware is significant and, I will probably have to do extraordinary things to get the graphics hardware configured under ubuntu. Hopefully, getting it going on knoppix may help somewhat.