this is not my first time running Ubuntu. i have previously installed
and run Xubuntu in my 450MHz PII for more than a year now and never
had this problem. on the Xubuntu, i see the applications (and have
used the synaptic to install other programs)and the mozilla browser.
hence, i was surprised with this install of Ubuntu 8.04. note that
this is the same computer dual booting with Windows Vista that i need
to redo the boot loader. i am going to get this done when i go back
to dubai and again do the reinstall of the Ubuntu 8.04 on the 16GB
USB.

speaking of the USB install, can you please provide the safe way or
methods to do the install with the boot loader located in the hdd and
not in the USB drive.