@carls
As you mentioned Knoppix (dunno which build) why didn't you install that instead. Knoppix is built from Debian source, with enough user friendliness to make it useable.
As you've already said you're no linux newbie, you should find everything you need with the Knoppix install, including the web server and SSH. If not, then it's only a matter of downloading the appropriate DEBIAN packages and installing. (aptitude anyone?)
