I'm pretty new to Linux myself - using Ubuntu and Kubuntu since January of
this year. I've never owned a Mac, but am pretty conversant with PC's having
used them since the early 80's. Guess that dates me!

This I do know, the latest version of both Ubuntu and Kubuntu is called 8.04
or Hardy Heron (released 2008, 4th month) and the next one is due end of
this month - 8.10 (Intrepid Ibix I believe). That's the way Ubuntu works,
it's updated twice a year and available for download free then. You can also
order free CD's from Canonical (the maker) and nominally priced ones from
other places. So if you want the latest either download 8.04 now or wait a
few weeks for 8.10. Install time should be well under an hour, plus some
more time to download and install any updates. I don't know why it's taking
you so long, but it means something is definitely amiss. Start afresh with
new CD's.