a step by step guide on how to setup basic ubuntu

You mean the file system and video adapters? How to setup Ubuntu in general?

Help yourself, read on the following link below:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/GraphicalInstall#To%20Install%20Ubuntu

HTH.

New to Ubuntu some resources:

the Ubuntu Manual, it's very informative: http://ubuntu-manual.org/
Click on the "download Button" to download the latest PDF version.

http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Natty

The Ubuntu 11.04 Unity interface
http://theravingrick.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-effort-at-writing-help-for-unity.html
The Unity interface: http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/natty/#what

- https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows
- The Ubuntu pocket guide: http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/
- The online help https://help.ubuntu.com/10.10/index.html

Ubuntu web sites:
http://yaserxp.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/discover-the-best-ubuntu-resources-on-the-web/

Ubuntu online magazine: Full Circle Magazine - Ubuntu's 'unofficial' magazine.
http://fullcirclemagazine.org