Simple way to backup DVDs

[uzee]

Hi,
I might be missing it or have not searched properly. But could some one please let me know if there is a simple and basic guide for DVD copying.
Currently I have a dvd burner in my computer and I used clonedvd2 with Anydvd which worked absolutely fine untill there trial period expired.
I am not a heavy user so I wanted to know if there are any free tools available that I can use for occasional copying ?
I'm sorry if its a stupid question but this site has so much information that a newbie can also get confused very easily My understanding so far is that for dvd copying I need 2 tools, one for actual copying (clonedvd2) and the second one to remove region codes and copyright info (Anydvd).
Please advise....
Thanks
uzee

[redwudz]

There are three freeware tools that work quite well for DVD backups. RipIt4Me, DVD Fab Decrypter, and DVD Shrink using ImgBurn to burn the DVD. There is a version of Shrink set up for that: http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=63869

RipIt4Me is probably one of the best decrypters/rippers out there. DVD Fab is a little easier to use and works on 95+ percent of the newer videos. RipIt4Me should work on 100%. DVD Shrink by itself will work on 75% or more.

Just about any DVD ripping program removes region codes, as does Shrink. If you only want one tool, the version of Shrink I linked to would be the one.

[uzee]

Hi redwudz,
Thanks a lot. Is it also correct that Ripit4me would be a single tool as well? or would I need some other program in conjunction with Ripit4me?
The Shrink version you posted the link for, looks awesome. I'll try both Ripit4me and the Shrink...
Thanks once again

[redwudz]

RipIt4Me is a decrypter and ripper that was created for the newest DVD encryption formats. It has a lot of options, if they are needed. It is frequently updated.

DVDFab Decrypter is also a decrypter and ripper, but it does have a few problems with the newest encryptions and it has basically no options. It is frequently updated.

DVD Shrink is also a decrypter and ripper, but because of legal problems, is no longer updated. It is usually all you need for most DVDs. It's main purpose is to be a transcoder to reduce the size of a commercial DVD to make it fit on a burned DVD.

I use it first and if it doesn't work, then Fab, and I haven't needed RipIt4Me, but I have it ready. These tools have guides available, on the tool page for the program. Fab doesn't need a guide, because there are no options.

Shrink and ImgBurn is a great combination. ImgBurn is updated often for the newer burners and it can also work as an independent ISO or DVD folder burner. They make the operation about as close to a one click setup as is possible and still have some control over the finished product.