The PC/OS Live CD however, came up with such small unreadable text on
the X bootup that I couldn't navigate the desktop. Anyone know bootup
parameters which will allow it to say, bootup in 1024 x 760 mode?

I don't remember problems with the small text on bootup but on some
distros live cds I have learned to hit the F3 or F4 key at the menu
and then you can choose resolution. I know with Mepis 7.0 I had to do
that and if I didn't then I couldn't seem to get the change to stick
once it was installed and running.

It might have been small for me with PC/OS 2008v2 but age makes the
memory a thing of the past. Sometimes it is good that I can't remember
and others it is the pits.