Let me start off by saying that this problem can't be described in such a way that allows me to find other topics, which have some relevance to this problem. That's why I created this question. In case this question might have been asked before, I apologize.

So what is the problem:

My computer (Intel Core I5 2500K - with HD3000 graphics -, 6 gb DDR, 1 SSD, 3 HDD's and an Asus P8Z68 mobo) runs Windows on the SDD. But I decided to give Ubuntu a chance to be my daily OS for basic needs since it's open source and I find it a handicap of not being able to work with it.

I decided to run the windows installer and install Ubuntu 12.04 to my 320 Gb hdd which was not being used in my computer.

After installing it and booting it, it worked great! I spent the rest of the day/night using it, and falling for it.

Great, today I booted Ubuntu (I had the choice in the bootloader as I expected). It asked me for my login and it started logging in.

Now, after a few (literally) minutes of letting it "boot" I tried determining the cause of this.

What I've figured out so far:

1. When I left click on my desktop it freezes completely for a few seconds

2. I have something like tearing in the left side menu (in games, you know) when I move my mouse around

3. It runs well when just hovering around with my mouse, but from the point I click on something it freezes.

What have I tried?

1. I ran a HD Tune diagnostic on the HDD but the performance seems to be very close to the stock values, so I'm taking it as a good HDD.
2. I'm trying to get to the drivers update panel for Ubuntu, but with the state it's in, it's taking a lot of time..

Could anyone point me in a direction for troubleshooting this? I'm not really a noob at all, just when using Linux.. :)

Thanks in advance!

Christophe,