If you are able get a copy of 8.04 which is a long term release and should last
for 3 years while 7.10 is only 6 months older it is not an LTS release and the
support will run out sooner. This may not seem important to you now, it will be
when you can't get updates. Also with 8.04 you get a newer kernel, newer drivers
and this means better detection and fewer installation woes.

Monitor problems are complicated to sort out. It is likely due to poor detection
and the wrong driver. You have a couple of choices. You can run at a lower
resolution by adding aboot parameter, you can try an alternate CD or you can get
the most recent release as previously suggested.

Typically Linux lags behind proprietary OSes since the developers must reverse
engineer most new drivers and don't get a lot of help from the industry. In
contrast M$ works on close relationship with OEMs to their mutual benefit, which
partially keeps Linux in its place as an also ran OS. This is changing in two
ways. Linux adoption is increasing and the attitudes of OEMs is changing as many
now offer Linux as a pre-installed OS. Making drivers for Linux is not hard, but
attitudes need to change and more trust between the industry and open source
developers. OEMs fear that you might give away their trade secrets because you
do not work for a Fortune 500 company who they can sue if you do.

As long as you are making comparisons between the two situations I just want to
keep things in perspective. Microsoft has a cozy relationship and favored status
and we don't. However, help is on the way as more and more OEMs see the need for
an alternative to M$. Linux developers have offered to write drivers for free to
any interested company with no strings attached and in complete confidence that
their secrets are safe. None of this helps you of course, but a new disk with
the latest version may have more drivers and be just the thing. No promises of
course, but it is worth a try. You can get a new disk mailed to you for free
from here: https://shipit.ubuntu.com/

How many companies will give you their product for free with support for three
years and pay to send it to you, including S & H? They must like what they have
to offer.