Installation squares

[thedarktiger]

So I was trying to install Gentoo-Linux before on my old computer. There were several critical errors and it didn't work. So I wanted to try out Ubuntu, since it seemed cool as well. When I tried to boot up my comp, it told me to boot from CD, so I took my Ubuntu CD and put in the comp, loaded it and started to install, I saw the bird, and then slowly I got what I think is the first installation screen. Here are my problems:

1: Everything is super slow, moving the mouse takes forever, it moves on screen 3 minutes after I move it.

2: The screen has a bunch of squares, and I cant read anything. They look like this [][][][] (except connected) I think this is because I dont have any fonts installed...

What should I do?

[upchucky]

need machine specs.

is this a low end pc, little memory? poor vid card? slow hardrive, ubuntu is a great os but it needs a rather mid to high end machine to do it's magic.

not that it wont run on a low end machine, it just needs to be tuned for the machine.

[SkonesMickLoud]

What are the specs of this computer?

It sounds like it cannot handle the LiveCD. You might want to try the Alternate Install CD.

http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download Make sure you tick the box for Alternate.

[zvacet]

Just one more suggestion.Maybe you want to try Xubuntu alternate. (http://www.xubuntu.org/get)

[thedarktiger]

well, I reinstalled XP and now I tried to install it again, I see an X cursor, which moves around fine, but nothing else seems to be loading. I dont know the specs, but it is a 2004 computer, Compaq, Presario, I think it would be best for me to get Xbuntu, thanks, Ill try it out.

Now a new problem, I am trying to install Xbuntu, but it goes up to the Install screen, and then nothing, just blank. Mouse doesnt even move.

[zvacet]

If you have Windows installed you can find out how much ram do you have.From your post I think that you try to install from live CD.Why don´t yo utry alternate CD.It is text based installer,but it will install even if you are low in ram.You can also read this. (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/LowMemorySystems)

[thedarktiger]

here are my computer specs:
AMD Athlon XP 2600+
1.91 GHz
192 MB of RAM
XP Service Pack 1

pretty bad =)

[avtolle]

I'd suggest doing an Xubuntu install from the alternate install Xubuntu iso burned to CD. With 192 mb RAM, that might be your best choice. Or, you could opt to do a "minimum" install adding a lightweightt DM, with only the applications you want. If this second alternative is something you want to consider, give me a moment and I'll give you a link.

EDIT: Look at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/LowMemorySystems for additional information.