boot - Ubuntu runs real slow, then crashes installing nvidia driver

Here's the hardware:

• P4 2.4ghz (32bit)


• 2 gigs ram


• Asus dvd burner


• MSI GeForce 5200 FX


• 1 Seagate 60 gig (IDE)


• 1 WD Black 80 gig (IDE)


• USB mouse


• PS2 keyboard


• 17" NEC LCD

Software:

• Ubuntu 13.1

Default install (Full)
I let Ubuntu setup disk and Partitions
Allow install of updates and 3rd Party Software.

Install goes fairly well maybe a bit slow but otherwise.
Get to reboot screen
Reboot
Hangs after Bios.
Reset
Very SLOW boot to OS! 12 minutes!!
Moving around VERY SLOW!
FireFox 3.5 minutes to load.
Video drivers loaded are default NOT Nvidia
I find the place to load drivers it finds the card and attempts to install and run.
After install OS freezes can't recover so did reboot.
No video at all now.

I see there are other flavors like Kubuntu and Lubuntu would these be a better choice?