I tried posting this earlier, but got an error message.  Sorry if it 
shows up twice.

I've spent the last week going through the kernel parameters for the 3.8 
kernel and trying different options.  So far this beast still locks up.  
I recall several months ago that this beast did not lock up when I tried 
Slackware.  I'm figuring something happens while Kubuntu is booting up 
that doesn't happen when Slackware boots up.  Does anyone know what that 
might be?

I just bought a  Dell inspiron 350 yesterday.  I'm thinking of 
reinfecting this thing with windows and using it only when I need the 
extra processor power.  However I really don't want to do that.  I will 
be ever so thankful if anyone has an answer. Thanks.
Derek

-- 
"I get my copy of the daily paper, look at the obituaries page, and if I’m not there, I carry on as usual."

Patrick Moore