I am trying to re-purpose my Dell Inspiron 8600 with Ubuntu 14.04 to be used as a low scale HTPC. 

Here is what I have done so far. 

I have created a live USB for installation. I had to force pae to get the installation to work. 

The entire installation process goes well and prompts me to reboot to finish installation. It reboots, I get to the login screen with the drums, it looks like the desktop is going to fire up and then the screen goes black and the only thing active is the mouse pointer. 

I can access the terminal through `Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F1`. I have tried several workarounds but I honestly don't really know what I am trying and if it is making any progress. Help would be greatly appreciated.