DVD ripping software
 

OK, I've never done this before so what is a good program to use to rip DVDs to an .avi? Thanks in advanced.

There's really only one thing you need, unless you're an expert. It's called Gordian Knot. It's not really one program, though, it's a whole bunch of programs with an interface to make them all work together.

http://www.doom9.org

That site has everything you're going to need, plus about a ton of stuff that you don't need until you know what you're doing. It also has tutorials for the beginner. Be warned, though... it's time-consuming. If you're doing a film, not so much, but if you're doing a TV series, or an anime, then that can take a long time.

Thanks, Soluzar!

www.dvdrhelp.com

is also a pretty good site for your backing up purposes.