Is there a check list that could test in order to minimize the chances of the ubuntu installation going wrong?
Yes, there is.
Well 1st a comment... basically if the live dvd works the installation will tend to work too. Main concern should be your video card and your internet connection. If needed for your system check that wireless works. If your display acts up while installing using it will become problematic and fixing a problem nearly impossible for a new user. If you depend on wireless it will be hard to get something fixed. ALL other issues (if there are any that is) can be solved using a browser and searching for it.
Open up dash and search for "test". If will start the test program:
If has many many tests from suspend, usb, mediacard checks:
BUT this best done after installation; doing this during a live session tends to take long. Very long. If unsure about installation start out with a dual-boot setup so you can always fall back to Windows. The installation tends to go smooth if the ISO was burned correctly (and that is what you tested while booting the livd dvd).