Install Ubuntu 8.1 on Dell Inspiron 8200: Old Computer Revival

Hi Everybody,
Here's a feedback on my experience installing Ubuntu 8.1 (latest available version) on an old computer, not used for 1 year.
Specs: Dell Inspiron 8200, 1.7 Mhz iCPU, 512 Mo RAM, 40 Go HD, Radeon 5900 GC, initially running under Windows XP.
Decision: Install only Ubuntu on the computer, without sharing it with XP (possible option).
Steps:
1- Back up all personal documents, including Outlook back up,...
2- Download Ubuntu 8.1 cd image file and burn it on a CD.
3- Restart computer by changing the boot option from HD to CD
4- Cd is launched at startup => choose the option
5- I chose the option to install exclusively Ubuntu and reformat the HD
6- Display problem, black screen, nothing happens
7- Search on the net with my other computer on forums for solutions
8- After an hour or so, got a proposal to add at the installation launch command "vga=771"
The problem is that i did'nt have any clue about linux language, where to add this option,...
9- By pressing F6 and trying several times, then teh solution was:
delete the double minus signs at the end of the command line "--", and replace it with vga=771
10- Banco, it works! 40 minutes or so later, Ubuntu is installed!
Because the VGA and Graphic card issue, the installation is longer than the normal procedure and less user friendly….But here we go, let’s discover a new world!
Will follow:
Windows v/s Ubuntu, 1st impression, Impression after a month utilization.
Cheers