new to linux, how to install ubuntu?

[docmag]

I'm trying something new and am confused. I'm familiar with windows 3.11 to XP pro but this linux/ubuntu has me scratching my head.
I've downloaded ubuntu to a folder(ubuntu) on my desktop. I've downloaded and installed ifra recorder.
I've installed the blank cd into my burner, cancelled and opened infra recorder. Went to actions, burn cd, and selected the ubuntu folder in the ubuntu folder on my desktop. Clicked to open and pressed burn.
Cd was burned as far as I can tell successfully. I've put it, the burned ubuntu cd, in the cd rom drive and started the computer.
I get choose language, english press enter get various options and have pressed the try button and also tried the install option and both take me to a blinking cursor in the upper left corner and that's as far as it gets. I've let it go like that for 30 minutes thinking maybe it takes a while but nothing happens.

What am I doing wrong. I'd like to install it on a computer and play around with it to become familiar with it. Below are the specs of the computer

Using a M7VKB ver 1.1 motherboard, amd 1.167ghz cpu, 384mb ram, matrox G4 32mb dual head video card. I've been able to run puppy 3.01 from the cd. I thought I had it, puppy installed to the hard drive but, it didn't boot to puppy with out the cd in the cdrom drive. I have a couple of extra hard drives that have windows on them that i can format and start fresh if that would be best.

I'm computer challenged but am willing to learn and try. A step by step instruction proceedure would be greatly appreciated. TIA Pete

[falko]

That sounds as if Ubuntu has some kind of problem with your hardware...

[docmag]

Thanks for the reply. I replaced the matrox 32mb video card with an ATI 64mb card and it seemed to start loading then hung up at a blank screen with two x's and what looked like thousands of lines scrolling, like a windows system with the wrong video settings. Took that card out and replaved it with a Diamond Viper 32mb card and right now it's installing. We'll see how far it goes. Re-partitioning right now. I'll let you know what happens. Pete

[docmag]

Falko thanks for the advice apparently the video card was the issue. I'm currently installing it on the computer spec'd above witht the diamond stealth 32mb video card and it seems to be working. I left the hard drive with win xp in there as the slave. This will be my first experience with a non windows pc. Should be fun and interesting. Pete

[falko]

Interesting that it has problems with old hardware. Normally it's brandnew hardware that males problems.