So, I'm trying to get into the swing of things and I want to convert my DVD discs into files that i can save to external hard drive for now, and my network server in the future so any of my computers can access these files.

i found the freeware program called Prism, and it seems to work fine for some independant DVDs but nothing you'd see on the new release rack at fye, an examle that I have is Transorter 3, no matter what i do I cannot rip and convert the DVD(trying to use Divx codec) It keeps giving me an error saying cannot create file. Anyone have a solution or a better program to use?

Use DVD Fab HD Decrypter.
I also read about a real good video converter called EncodeHD. It converts movie files in to a bunch of different formats. It;s free and easy to use.

ripit4me with dvd decrypter and dvd shrink all work well. Hard to find on the net, but they're free. I haven't come accross any dvds yet it couldn't break.

And hail to my brother service...... I've been active army 18 years.

God Bless you Tedster, Stay safe!!

This old guide may help: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_jump.cfm/422740/2554995