*sigh*

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. I generally recommend...

Free DVD Ripper - DVD DeCrypter or DVDFab DeCrypter

Free DVD Burner - Same as above.

...because these two programs seem to have the most success with the most discs. Using RipIt4Me in conjunction with DVD DeCrypter has given me the most success. And best of all, the programs I've suggested are all freeware!

Above all else, please bear in mind that DVD ripping is a very complex thing. What works for one disc will often not work for another. You need to do a LOT of reading in these forums (as well as on AfterDawn, Digital Digest and VideoHelp forums) in order to understand all of the issues involved. I've lurked here for years now. And I can tell you that I still learn new things every day. Sometimes it's just a simple matter of a tweak or two. Sometimes it gets extremely arcane. And that's just the nature of the beast. Unlike ripping an audio CD, DVD ripping simply is NOT a one click affair. If ONLY it were so easy. But the long and short of it is you need to read and educate yourself on the issues and then experiment until you find a method which gives you success.

Whew. I'm just glad you didn't ask about ripping DVD to DivX or XviD. Now THAT'S complex. :-D