Computer OS advice/help

You have another machine? where you can test the download for bootup? You DID burn it "as an ISO" and not just copy the file to the DVD?

As said above you can boot the DVD up from a cold start and (even though slow,) RUN the software "similar" to what you will see when running. You should be able to connect to the internet, etc, if the wireless device is "seen."

Linux has become pretty easy. Mine is called the "Maya" desktop, I think I saw "Cinnamon" above, I kinda like it too. I run what they call the "long term support" version. So my desktop is called "Mate" and the version of the OS is 13, known as "Maya." Confused? So are the rest of us. No idea where "the thems" get the stupid names LOL