I downloaded the "latest" version; now I've got to find a "live" version...and just what the heck is "grub" anyhow?

Thanks, and I do appreciate your input. It's not though that I am looking for an "easier" solution. I just don't understand what's going on. I started working with computers back in the days of punch cards and main frames, and thought I pretty well "understood" Windows (95-XP), but this stuff is throwing me for a loop. And I have no right asking you folks for your time to re-educate me, even though I would like to get somewhat of a working understanding of it.

You would have download the CD of the latest version of ubuntu. That IS also the live cd. You would probably have chosen the option "Install Ubuntu" in the first screen. Instead of that, if you choose "Try Ubuntu" (or something similar), you will boot in to Live environment of the OS.

(Of course, here I have assumed you have downloaded the default download from the ubuntu webpage).

As for grub, GRUB from Wikipedia and GRUB Manual, one sub-section

live version is just the 'try it' option it runs without actually install anything so any changes you make (unless you mount your disks and make changes to them) don't save permanetly. GRUB is a bootloader.

It is o.k.
how did you install the system? did you do a wubi installation?

I am just feeling bad because you came to linux just to find yourself in trouble. however what you need to do is put the cd back in the computer and re start the computer with the cd in.
Then select try Ubuntu without installing (Because I am assuming you had already install it, right?) then when the system is all loaded make sure you have internet connection too so check the wireless or plug a wire in the computer then here we go:
Note this solution is for a installation done using a tool in the ubuntu cd called WUBI (Windows Base Ubuntu Installation)

press the key alt and also f2 at the same time, in that pop up you have there type terminal and press enter.

in the terminal you will type the following code first type (copy it from here)
press enter and
then type

press enter and you are done. Play with Ubuntu a little bit if you want from the CD or

reboot your computer remember to remove the CD from the CD tray so the PC will look for the harddrive

Good luck and let us know how you did.

Anyway I think GRUB stand for GRand Unified Bootloader, and that is the little program that help your computer boot from different operating systems, MAC has a similar program call it BootCamp and windows has also its own winloader I dont remember what its name though

Note: Here is the link to the ubuntu guide. read it when you find time and when you are wondering how to do something in your brand new Operatin System

https://help.ubuntu.com/11.10/ubuntu-help/index.html

I started using linux only in 2010. So, don't worry! I am sure many in the forums (including myself) are trying to learn linux. Even I was frustrated in the beginning but you will get a hang of the OS.

Tron has outlined the procedure. Let us know how it works. Good luck.

One thing you should've mentioned: in sdXY, XY means "number" of CD/DVD ROMS. If he would try to input than it wouldn't work in his case. For example, when i want something to mount in terminal with cd/dvd rom i mount it with mount /dev/sr0 /mnt/dvd

Well, it's "the day after..." so to speak, and I've got bad news. I do appreciate all the time and input and assistance from all, but I've just realized that my entire network is corrupted. I can't boot into ANYTHING !
I am in NO WAY suggesting or implying or whatever that any of you folks gave me bad information. I don't know what happened, but I do know that I am simply not up to the crap that this Linux (with what appears to be) "secret codes", strange terminology, etc. I do know I had a stable three desktop network running flawlessly, and now, with trying to impress myself that Linux/Ubuntu was something wonderful, I have doorstops. So, for the next "x" hours, I will be reformatting and reloading WINDOWS XP and saying a fond farewell to LINUX.
Though I do wish the rest well and good luck; It's just NOT for me.
Again, thank you all. Don't waste your time responding, because I'm not going to waste my time even logging into this forum. I've got too much to do reloading three machines.