Hi, I'm new to Ubuntu and I have an old cd with Ubuntu 8.04 on it. That's what I'm running right now. The update manager says I can upgrade to 10.04, however I've done that, and after hours of downloading and installing (near the end of installing) it messes up and quits. Then my computer freezes, and after I restart my computer ubuntu 8.04 is gone but because 10.04 didnt finish it doesnt work and an error comes up. I've gone through the process 3 times, with same results!

How can I download the OS onto a cd or usb (please be specific I'm not good with .iso or how to use them) or is it okay just to keep using 8.04 version?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, and if you have a website that explains the process well that would be great too.

Download an *iso of the distro you wish to install.

Using the "burn image" tool of your CD burning program, burn the image to a CD or DVD.

Boot to the CD and follow the prompts to install.

This link has more, including additional links to more information. The process it outlines can be applied to any distro.

http://www.ubuntu.com/download/help/...desktop-latest

Most distros have tutorials on their websites detailing the installation process.

Just to add, Ubuntu 8.04 support expired last year so it is recommended you upgrade, either by iso or through upgrading with synaptic/apt-get.
10.04 is still supported but ends in April next year. If you want to stay with Ubuntu, i suggest you download the 12.04 version iso and install that. This is another long term support version which if you've stuck with 8.04 for this long, i'm pretty sure you're like me and not interested in upgrading your operating system every six months, which is why i suggest that version and not the latest, 12.08.
Before jumping in and downloading the iso, there's one more thing you should think about. Ubuntu 8.04 uses the Gnome2 desktop environment. Ubuntu has changed since then and now sport the Unity desktop environment. If you would like to continue using your computer the way you've been used to, you will want to look into the Mate desktop environment. I don't think Ubuntu has a Mate edition, but Linux Mint does, and it's basically just Ubuntu anyways, so i suggest you get your self an iso of Linux Mint 13, Maya, Mate edition. Once you've that, follow the instructions Frankbell has posted.

I had the pleasure of having Ubuntu 10.04 with Ultimate Edition and I liked it; think you will too.

I also tried Linux Mint 12 KDE Knightron mentioned. If you like Ubuntu you'll like Mint.

Good luck on what Distro you decide to burn and install.