I imagine it's the same as "How to setup nVidia drivers in 7.04" from
the Starter Guide for Fiesty Fawn here:
http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Feisty#How_to_setup_nVidia_drivers_in_7.04

I got it all straightened out, this computer has seen three
upgrades so I did a backup of everything important and did a fresh
install, 7.10 is great

How do you learn what's important and where it is located? I know that
you can do google searches after you have a problem, and ubuntu forums
can provide advice for specific questions, but where can you go for a
good general education? I feel so frustrated blindly following
instructions, such as "type: sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg -plow"
and no explanation about what I'm being told to do or why.

It's great having the experts to help me out of trouble, but how can I
get the education to become an expert myself?

Check this out:
www.linux.ie/.../directory-structure.php

You could read the support files at Unbuntu or download a Linux guide from
www.computeractive.co.uk but because you may need to refer to the guide
often then a book on Ubuntu is best. It will teach some of the most used
commands and the ways Ubuntu works.

Ubuntu Hacks by Kyle Rankin is the one I started with. Amazon.com has a good
list if you just search for Ubuntu there or you can even get them at eBay.

I'd second that suggestion. Another book i've found helpful is Ubuntu
Linux Bible by Von Hagan. Both bought from Amazon - well worth the
reduction they offer! I still just reading up all i want to know about
Ubuntu and it takes a while.

I had this problem and had to reconfigure my X server. open Terminal and
type in "|sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg|" Then I restarted ubuntu
and that fixed it. hope this works.