I'm a Linux newbie, but wanted to get more comfortable with the Linux OS so I picked up Slackware. The installation of kismet and airsnort were a byproduct based on my wireless interests. Is it as easy as slipping in a Slackware or Knoppix CD? No, but I wouldn't classify it as overly difficult either. Great resources for such a cause:
This forum naturally
linuxquestions.org
securitytribe.com - Blackwave's guide
As to the number of interesting packets captured, I wonder if my AP is new enough or has firmware that mitigates the weak IV packets as noted here
http://forum.defcon.org/showthread.p...ht=encryption.