Should I get the shell while installing?

[maugly]

Hi all!

I'm kinda new to the Linux software and I've decided to install dual boot for Windows xp and Ubuntu 8, everything went well, I installed it from the Ubuntu CD, it downloaded its updates and went through the install.
Now I have the menu on the boot, and when I choose the Ubuntu option I just get into this Ubuntu shell menu that gives me options to continue install but when I make my choice it takes me to the Linux shell, (where I'm an alien).
Should It be like this? maby I've done some wrong? What should I do?

Thanx in advance

[sam1948]

according to many annoying things that I met and heard about this version I'lld strongly recommend to start with 7.10
with the live cd and not a fresh installation from the begining
the installation from there seems easier to me
and in addition I'm mot sure 8.10 has any significant improvements

Enjoy

[linux_tech]

If the desktop won't start, type the following:

sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg
startx