can anyone help!

i recently got a brand new p.c and got a pioneer dvr-104 preinstalled, as far im aware i still have the old firmware but wil be uploading new firmware as soon as i log on to the net, waiting for broadband to come in , anyways my question is, and i dont wanna start no software ripping war, but what is the best software for ripping DVDs and CDs and i need software for formatting CD/DVD... all replies wil be greatfull...
thanks

kas187