I have always thought that this would enable 64-bit Intel chipsets to run
using the AMD 64-bit ISO, but since I have an AMD 64 and Intel 32-bit
machines I would not really know for sure.

This chart may be of help:
en....pedia.org/.../Comparison_of_Linux_distributions\ort.

I popped in my 64 bit 10.04 cd that my computer seller provided (free of
course) and the file title that shows up is Ubuntu 10.04 LTS amd64, so
from that I would guess that either processor type should use this version.

The AMD64 version is the 64 bits for AMD AND INTEL...

Kernel 2.6.32-25 generic is stable. Right now I'm using Kernel 2.6.35 and
2.6.36 git 8 is in the oven now. So you're using at least 10 versions behind the
current kernel. It is a quite tested kernel. I would rather look drivers
version for your material or configuration parameters. More chances this side.

Well, it's been an eventful few days. What I've done is to clean
install 10.04, then I allowed all the updates to install. I ran with
the nouveau video driver for a day but got system wide freezing. Then I
installed the Nvidia driver and the freezing got worse.

Then I ran across this thread in the Ubuntu forums, dealing with the
same or similar problems.
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1478787 Seems that I am not
alone as there are several hundred posts in it. Lots of people are
blaming the kernel 2.6.32-35 generic which is what 10.04 updates to.

So I downloaded and installed 10.10 64 bit, which uses 2.6.35 something,
but had the freezing problem right away. Somewhere along the line I
learned how to install /home in a separate partition, so at least I
don't have to re-install all my stuff every time.

Lastly, I clean installed 10.04 again and allowed updates to install
EXCEPT for anything to do with the kernel or kernel headers. I've since
installed the Nvidia driver and the restricted extras package. Has been
running this way since last night - no freeze ups.

Think I will run this way for now, at least until a kernel newer than
2.6.32-25 is released.

Interesting thread regarding the problems with the 2.6.32-35 generic
kernel and it does seem that your freezing problems are due to this.
Curious that I'm running the same kernel here with an NVidia 7300 card
using the 195.36.24 driver and not a hitch ever since installing.

Has to be some sort of hardware incompatibility I guess but tracking
it down is another matter entirely. Main thing is you've found the
root cause and know what *not* to do for now. Problem is you'll can't
be sure that the next kernel upgrade will be compatible or not without
installing it and then it's back to square one if it doesn't take too
kindly to your hardware again.

Perhaps a spare HD to do a test install as and when the next kernel
update is released ??

I was wondering what I was going to do in the future. If a kernel newer
than 2.6.32-25 is released to 10.04, will my update manager pick it up?
Or will I have to update to 2.6.32-25 first?

I expect that just the next kernel would be downloaded but if both
were there only the latest one would be used with the other(s) there
as a 'roll back' position.

Will let you know through here the next time I get a kernel update to
10.04.

It is unlikely a kernel problem. It is more likely a problem with the driver
which related to problems with Nvidia and Plymouth or Xserver (depending
whether it freezes on boot up or at the login screen). I would try a
different driver if I was in your situation. There are versions 96, 172,
180, 185 and current which is compiled from source. Some of these may be
problematic with your card. I am using current with no problems.

However, you are right that the kernel does affect the driver. As you
upgrade the kernel a new module must be installed or compiled from source.
That means that kernel upgrades can affect graphics. However, it is
important that you sometimes upgrade the kernel because often security flaws
are discovered and fixes are released. The update manager usually flags the
importance of the update.