Knoppix is highly tuned regards to packages. Though it uses Debian's infrastructure (apt-get, packaging, various sources, etc.), it begs, borrows, and steals heavily from a wide range of sources. You'd want to check the /var/lib/dpkg/status file in your Knoppix system to see what specific versions of packages are installed. Wouldn't suprise me to find Klaus is installing his own source builds where he sees the need.

Regards your configuration -- I'd recommend running the [link|http://twiki.iwethey.org/Main/LinuxSystemInfo|system-info] script I've written, which does a good job of abstracting out system configuration. It doesn't capture X-specific details (hmm...should probably add this), but will note kernel config, modules, IRQs, and IO settings, which can be a major part of configuration issues in many cases.