Your distribution should install a bootloader automatically (after asking you). I'd strongly recommend to use the installer of your distribution for this purposes. Which distribution did you install?

Markus

I installed Ubuntu, downloaded it from the website, burned the cd, and booted the cd. Then installed it on unallocated space I created on my external hardrive. I just followed the steps, should I start over?

Well, not start over, but boot the install-CD and find out if it gives you the option to "repair" your installation and install a bootloader now.

btw: you can also install Ubuntu on a partition on your first harddrive. It is possible (and often done) to use gparted (which afaik comes with the Ubuntu-install-CD) and decrease the existing Windows-partition. Note that Windows 7 comes with it's own tool to achieve this. You can within Windows decrease the Windows partition. Afterwards you'll have to create new partition/s in the free space (which can be done with the Ubuntu-installer).

This is surely only an option if you have enough free space on your Win 7 Partition.

But it is easier to install both OS's Win and Linux on one disk, this is the default and the installer will install the bootloader properly in this case.

Markus

Solved! Thank you soo much! I really appreciate it!

I just made new partion on my hard disk and installed Linux on it! It went through fine! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I am extremely grateful. I now just have to figure out how to connect to the internet, and get my drivers to work.

Hello ak14523,

I'm happy to read that you've got it working now.
Good luck with the next steps

Markus