I was going to install Smoothwall on an old box I have, it didn't recognize one of my NICs and I'm not sure how to manually install them so I figured I'd just make this a regular Linux box since I had just switched harddrives when I wanted to get on Slackware. However, this computer is a bit old but it still runs well as far as I can tell and it's the only extra one I haven't stripped for parts/broke as far as I know. Anyway, it doesn't have any usb or ps/2 ports, and has a serial port for the mouse. When I start Slackware and issue the startx command it fails because it can't find anything at /dev/mouse. How can I get Slackware to recognize the mouse is connected through a serial port?

you must edit your /etc/X11/XF86Config file. Just open it with mcedit and serch the line /dev/mouse. By default XF86Config, in slackware loads a PS2 MOuse. Modify it to your needs.
An easier way is to log in as root and run "xfree86setup". Just follow the instructions there.

Thank you, it works now.