OK-I burned a 3.3 iso downloaded from one of LQ's mirrors and checked the md5sum. I then burned the disc (@ 8x) and booted it. Everything comes up fine, but my mouse stays at the bottom left hand screen. Its just a normal 2 button, wheel mouse. Nothing spectacular. Also, can I use the liveCD to install it to a USB drive, or is that a different iso?

Let me see if I can help with the mouse issue.

I had a similar problem on an IBM Think-pad with the integrated track point. I had to run xsetup.sh . If you look at the cheat codes, you can boot to a command prompt. Run the script and change the mouse settings. I think PS/2 mouse is the default. You can make what is called a persistent home, and save your settings.

You did not say if this is a PS/2 or a USB mouse.

The other thing you need to do, is figure out how to run the system without the mouse, until you can get the xsetup fixed up. I couldn't begin to tell you all the key combinations you need. Experiment, and find out. Post back when you are stuck. I have beaten this type of thing to death, and can probably help you out with specific key combinations.

I have never loaded an image on a USB key, although it is something I would like to try. There is a utility to load it on a pen drive. After your mouse works, right click the desktop, a DSL menu appears. Apps-> Tools--> Install to USB Pendrive.

Hope this helps.