failed to load desktop

[ottone.caretta]

hello,
i'm fairly new to linux..so apologies in advance for any dummy qeustion..
i downloaded the latest ubuntu yesterday (8.10, i think) and installed it on an oldish laptop.
the installation seemed to go straight but i am now presented with a beige screen and pointer but nothing else on the desktop.
i can access a logging screen by pressing ctlr-alt-bksp.
there i can chose what session i want and i can eventually get to a failsafe terminal...
unfortuantely i'm not sure what to do there :)
i browsed for this topic...found many threads but no solution...
could anyone help?
thanks a lot
regards
otto

[SunnyRabbiera]

Maybe the 8.04 version is worth a shot, I find intrepid has many issues I dislike.

[ottone.caretta]

thanks!
do you mean the
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS available on the download section of the ubuntu website?
cheers
otto