As a newbie to Linux I did not now what to expect from the install. Every version of it (CD, DVD even the Pluto CD's) was burnt as an iso but would not load. All the burning was done by RecordNow! then Nero Express (both bundled software). As a last resort I downloaded a trial of Nero Burning ROM (Nero7) and burnt the DVD again. It worked first time! Clearly not all image burners are created equal
Nope, they are not. But a little trick I have learned a long time ago. Write at the lowest speed possible for maximum quality disks
or use quality burners like nec (their firmware will always take a more stable burn over speed)