[DC LoCo] Problem installing Ubuntu

[Kevin Cole]

Hi,

I got e-mail recently from a guy having problems installing.  I informed
him of the alternate install CD, but thought I'd see if someone here knows
something obvious with regard to his specific hardware. Here's a synthesis
of two messages he's sent.

-------- Semi-Original Messages --------

I bought the Ubuntu CD from Microcenter in Rockville and booted form it.
It was having issues (hanging) on the install.  I tried all the options
listed, try Ubuntu without making changes, check CD integrity, etc. All
options caused it to hang.  I was using a dell Dimension B110. Online there
was a list of "approved" computers to work with Ubuntu and it just so
happened that my other dell dimension E310 was on the list. So now months
afterwards I started trying to install it on this other system, the E310.
I installed using the windows installer this time and it completed
successfully and a message indicated that the computer needed to reboot.

On reboot the dual boot screen appeared and the Ubuntu OS was highlighted
and then executed.  It took me to the Ubuntu command prompt, I think it
said GRUB or something like this.  At this point I was clueless. I thought
it would boot into a gui operating system.

Looking for support online also hasn't been easy. I downloaded chat
applications and even used some of your suggestions (#ubuntu, etc.) I'm
sure the problem lies with me.  It's probably an easy fix; but it will
probably take someone to point it out to me.

I don't think I have less than 1GB on either of the two systems.  I tried
Ubuntu 8.04, 8.10 and Fedora 10. None worked for me.

How do I go about getting this set up properly on my desktop?

Thanks,

David