I finally got around to checking this solution

To refresh, the machine seems to function perfectly in every way (this is why it's taken me so long to get around to the issue)... As long as I'm not using X locally. The machine appeared to crash when booting, but if I ssh in all programs work perfectly, even those in X).

I started the procedure to address what I was convinced was a HD issue. I started a liveCD boot, the machine started, got to X, then when I fired up a console to run fsck, it froze. Just prior to this there were freaky 'ghosty' images on some objects on the screen. Figuring the issue wasn't a HD issue (the box ran flawlessly as a file server for weeks) I tried booting in the 'safe' mode. I had the mode fix any issues, then try to fix X... They all worked perfectly. When I rebooted, I could actually get to the regular screen, then when I fired up, say a console and moved the window, screen froze. I still had the same freaky 'ghosty' images.

Here's my question(s):

1) I'm guessing it's a failing graphics card... I'm not sure why it's not crashing the box, and only the video... that's my question, I guess.
2) While I can yank the thing easily enough is it difficult to get ubuntu to recognize whatever ubuntu compatible one I buy?

Any comments, help would be appreciated.