Should I disable certain codecs before conversion?

Should I disable certain codecs before conversion?

An absolute newbie, but I have on my sytem,x264 and ffdshow which some time ago I installed when trying to get winamp to play certain video. Not even sure if both were needed or either was neeed but I was up all nite determined from following internet leads on the subject, in addition I intalled installed NSV tools.

Is this extra bagage?

ffdshow has setup windows that just baffle me with the settings.
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Now I'm about to do a project, the old fashion, old tech way without a DVD burner, ( i know they are very cheap these days, bleive me money is that tight).
I learned here i can burn an SVCD to a CD. I've been reading and have downloaded a few of the needed programs and bookmarked many links here in prep for this project.

My other questions can wait but first the one above.

Another question is, after my burn, how can I acid test it, as they say, that is if my burn will play on a home DVD player, which I do not have. I think I read that there are two players I can use to kind of simulate a home Dvd player.

So...the two questions.
Disable anything before I start the conversion?
How to test the the burn CD?

I know, I'm missing the middle part, the actual burn.

thanks

 

I think I forgot to mention the source file.
Don't know if allowed to say, but it's a download, it's a rip of a DVD, not my rip but already that way, and it's a movie. I have few on my HD.
I've played with Gspot and virtualdub, but as a self introduction to it's operation. I've gathered that one needs to know what the heck it is they have before they go and start pushing buttons and creating "coasters" by the dozen.
I just found the "edit" icon. Sorry for the reply to my own post.
Lastly, I have the Fred Flintstone computer model, PIII 450Mhz 500 Ram. "WILMA"

thanks

ps- I'm not a total 'noodge', worked 13 years at a film school, I know what anamorphic is, aspect ratio, tv scan lines etc.
One might find it interesting that we had 5 Nagra audio recorders one of which we had a custom made sync box that laid down a 29.97 reference signal (if my mem serves me right, it's been 12 years now)the end goal to marry the Nagra's recording to a student's video. I cna't recall the exact post production steps.
I've also processed B&W 16mm film and maintained Steenbeck and Moviola table editors and also operated a 16mm magnetic film transfer and mixing room.
As these relate to digital, I do need a good self-education.