Here's the problem I've been having, installing from a CD I burned, in the 'Try Ubuntu' mode: I get to the point where I'm asked to fill in my name, the computer name, etc.; after I press 'Continue', the installation window closes and the installation doesn't go any further - i.e., the system doesn't seem to start actually installing, and I'm never asked to restart the computer or do anything else. All that happens is I get the desktop and a busy cursor...for seven and a half hours. Restarting the computer after waiting that seven and a half hours resulted in nothing but a '_' blinking on and off at the point where I'd expect Ubuntu to boot if it'd installed properly.
What am I doing wrong, or, failing my being at fault somehow, what can I do to fully install Ubuntu? I've tried bypassing 'Try Ubuntu' and just doing 'Install Ubuntu' from the get-go, but it always ends up having an 'unrecoverable error' (again, at the point after I fill in my name, computer name, etc.). Forgive my lack of knowledge; I'm a fairly basic user and I don't mind admitting that this problem has put me out of my depth. Thank you.