Two questions here. What is a good freeware program that can convert my .mov files to a format to burn onto a dvd+r also what is the best format to convert it too?
Try VSO DivxToDVD (freeware version): http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_encoders/vso_divxtodvd_free.cfm It will convert the movs directly into dvd compliant format (i.e. video_ts), ready for final burning.
Dear jj77669, Provided you have the codecs, many players can play mov. You may try download and install K-Lite Codec Pack (full or mega version) from this site. It also comes with an all-purpose media player called Media Player Classic. Happy mov viewing!