Here is what desktop Linux's problem is. I installed Ubuntu Linux on an old 10gb hard drive. The only resolution I can get is 640x480. I have never figured out how to download and install anything for Linux. I can't install the nvidia driver I presume I need to get proper screen resolution. This is why Linux sucks for me. Once a year I install a Linux flavor to see what I can do. But I've never figured out downloading and installation nor gotten the proper screen resolution. I'm very good with Windows. Windows makes either of these actions very easy. Even back when I used win95 which is where I started. So I say Windows 95 was more consumer friendly than Linux 2006
I've never been a fan of Ubuntu myself. Try Mepis 6.
This week, we helped a guy on here install it on his laptop...he got everything working with Mepis right out of the box, including wireless.
And, if you want to install new software in Mepis, just click Start>System>Synaptic Package Manager. After entering your password, you can search for software and install it point-and-click.
IIRC, the nVidia drivers are included with Mepis too, so you just go to the Mepis OS center, click on Mouse and Display, click the "Nvidia" tab and make sure "Official Nvidia Driver" is checked (you might have to restart your computer afterward). But, chances are, Mepis will detect and configure your video automatically and you will have to do nothing. Regardless, it is a live CD, so you can try it out before you install.
Mepis is way easier than most distributions, in my opinion.
If you need help, ping me. I'll let N3WBi3 or somebody know and we'll get a Tech Help thread going.
You have given it every possible chance, as we both know. But the problem with Linux though is not just the software, it's these lunatics like FLAMING DEATH who are always goading you into wasting more time every year trying it.
You're just starting to figure out what I learned several years ago, that the "free" software movement is a bunch of ridiculous hype, pushed by kooks that will do anything to make software free. Sure some free utils are always good, but running your O/S on welfare is a big mistake.