I have the new laptop and would like to keep a couple "Emergency Movies" on it. Meaning, if I get stuck somewhere with no internet, I'd like to have some entertainment on the laptop. I want to rip a few DVD movies that I already own and save them on the hard drive. What is the best FREE software for doing this?
Let's take this a step further. If I want to just save them for viewing on the laptop, what is the preferred format to rip too?
Also, what if I did want to copy a DVD. What should I use to do that?
Why don't you just slip a few DVD's in your laptop case? Problem solved.
Most DVD's today probably won't allow that anyway. ( My guess)
It could be just a scare tactic, but I've seen many DVD's that say unlawful copying will damage your player. Some even have holes through them that you can't replicate. I guess it will always be a back and forth game between those trying to thwart the pirates and those who figure out new ways to copy things. :)
DVDFab decryptor (free with minimal functionality enabled - no write) or anyDVD - free 21 day trial -> clean copies and quick updates. Encryption is constantly changing and some big budget new releases require software updates to see the title that plays chapters in the correct order.
Then you need something like imgburn or dvd shrink (both free) to burn to disk if you want. It's a good way to make a few coasters while you get it figured out. Movies compressed with dvd shrink to fit a single layer disk will not play on all 'home theater' dvd players, but can reduce space needed on your drive. Of course quality suffers in proportion to compression.
Prolly many more tools available. It might be worth DLing something to put the movies on your drive for convenience.
Sounds like it might not be worth the hassle...