Re: Ubuntu Resolutions and why do no new OS's work?
Video is most likely to be in its native resolution if your monitor is connected with DVI or HDMI. VGA tends to use a list of default video modes.
Install CD or install iso on USB uses nouveau open source drivers that may not be optimum. For example nouveau defaults to something like 1024x768 my 1080p HDTV.
But once installed, nvidia drivers default to 1920x1080.
I found that once I had 11.10 installed with nvidia drivers, I had to use nomodeset kernel boot parameter, or my screen would just say "no signal".
12.04 is just the opposite. I had to use nomodeset during install (hit any key during 1st purple screen with symbols at bottom), but did not need any parameters once it was installed.
And a side note is that with 8 GB RAM you would likely want to use 64-bit Linux versions because 32-bit typically cannot access more than about 3 GB RAM, although, Ubuntu does have optional 32-bit pae kernels that can.
i5 650 3.2 GHz, 8 GB, nvidia GTX 550 Ti 32" 1080p | i7-4700, 8 GB, Intel HD 4600/nvidia GTX 765M 15.6" 1080p | etc.