I'm a Linux newb so please try to keep the lingo low-key. I installed the latest nVidia drivers on my laptop using the 9800M card. The laptop is a Gateway P-7805u and I'm connected to the second monitor using VGA.

Also, before installing the nVidia drivers (and just using the basic drivers included with Kubuntu 10.04), basic dual monitor support worked, except I could not enable compositing features for some reason. So I thought the proprietary drivers would fix this.

Several issues have arisen since installation:
1) I've clicked through all of the display settings to activate the second screen with absolutely no change.
2) When I try to apply settings and Save Configuration as the nVidia help suggests, I am told that I cannot save to the X.conf file. I assume this is due to innate permissions on my user settings, which I have no idea how to properly configure.
3) I have no idea where to go from here, as most of the fixes I found online involve Linux syntax and verbiage, to which I'm totally clueless after spending over half my life with Windows.