Ever had your favorite movie on DVD, and you want to also have it on your iPod but not pay the $15 dollars on iTunes? This easy to follow guide will give you a single movie file of your favorite DVDs. Best off all, this uses all freeware (no annoying trial versions) and doesn't cost a dime.

Step 1: Get the Right Software

First, you will need to download and install two programs. These are freeware (no annoying trial versions) and will not cost a dime.

Get them here:

-Handbrake
-DVD Decrypter

Step 2: Part 1: Rip the DVD

Follow these instructions to copy the DVD's files (minus the security) to you hard drive. Be sure to note the save location, and be sure to have at least 7 GB of free space for the files (yes it's a lot, but it will be deleted soon)

-Insert DVD
-Close DVD player that opens after inserting DVD
-Launch DVD Decrytper
-Open the DVD location, and hit the decrypt button
-Wait for the files to finish copying (This can take up to 45 minutes)
-When the files finish, an annoying sound will play to alert you. You may then close the application.

Step 3: Part 2: Make the Movie File

Now you are ready to make the movie file that will go on your iPod. Now do this:

-Open handbrake, and wait for it to load.
-In the browse box under "source", locate the VIDEO_TS folder within your save location for the DVD and open it. Be sure not to open the DVD itself. In fact, you can eject the DVD
-Where it says "Title" select the file that has the longest time (usually the movie). Leave the chapters alone.
-Now for the settings. In the right hand bar, click on the "Normal" setting.
-Under "output settings" , make sure the encoder is on Mpeg 4.
-For destination, click browse, and save to whatever destination as YOUR MOVIE TITLE.MP4. This should be an option in a pull-down menu
-In the "video" tab, change the Avg Bitrate to 2200.
-Click START, and wait for the conversion to complete

A command prompt style box should open with the information on the conversion. Be sure not to close either box, and have all other applications closed to optimize performance. The movie will take a while to convert depending on your computer.

Step 4: Part 3: ITunes

Start up iTunes, and add the movie file to your library. Be sure to keep a backup of the file so that you will never lose it. Next, right click on the movie in iTunes, and select "get info". Find the volume control, bring it up to +100%. Add any other information that you want, and click save. Finally, add it to your iPod video, and enjoy!

Step 5: The Ethics

Some people may think it is illegal to copy DVD's. This is only true to an extent. Because you own the DVD, and are putting it on your iPod you have paid for the movie and you are fine. However, if you give it or sell it to other people, you are giving them a pirated version. It seems dum, because no one will really know if you are breaking the law, but its just good to know your rights.