Burned it on cdrw, and now it's running
Update: spoke too soon. Errors mid-install, different errors every time I re-burn the CD. Either the burner or the reader are no good. I'll try Debian NetInstall...
Update: Thorough de-dusting and Net Installer from floppies carry the day. I now have Postgres running, database copied, Ruby-on-Rails installed. apt-get is AMAZING. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!