If you're tired of the common 700MB size of blank CDs, then why not try to burn files onto DVDs? You'll enjoy at least 4GB of file space. But before you can enjoy the larger storage capacity for your files, you need first to learn about DVD rippers and how this sort of application is used. A DVD ripper is simply an application that can do DVD backup, convert DVDs, copy DVDs, and convert DVDs to MP4 or DVD MPEG. Aside from that, you can also save files while compressing them--that's the real ripping.

However, before you can enjoy ripping your files and burning them on DVDs, you need first to get a DVD ripper. Nero is a great DVD ripper, though there are also free software applications as your second choice. If you can't decide which software to install, then reading some reviews before you download can help a lot. Don't rely too much on the reviews, though. You should also consider the minimum system requirement of the application. If you're using Vista, then make sure that the software is compatible with Vista. Look for other Vista-compatible programs if it's not. Usually, programs have different versions made to suit different platforms, so you might get a Vista version of the DVD ripper. Also, keep in mind that DVD ripping can be illegal, but only if you'll copy and distribute copyrighted items. That's why many big names in the DVD ripping industry were not allowed to release their products. So, people usually find only the free software.

Whatever you choose, you should install the DVD ripper program on your computer so you can start ripping some files to DVDs. When installation is done and successful, it's now time for the real matter--DVD ripping.

   1.Open the DVD ripper application. In some programs, you have to select what you want to rip first, while other programs will require you to insert the DVD first

   2.Insert the DVD. You'll have to identify the DVD-ROM where your DVD is inserted.

   3.Select the source file you want to rip. Usually, files to be ripped come from the hard disk. If not, most of the DVD rippers require copying of the files to the hard disk before it can start the ripping.

   4. Modify settings. If you'll rip a movie, you'll usually set the path, profile, file format, etc. Changing the settings is very important, because this significantly affects the quality of the ripped files. After entering the settings, make sure to double check. Then click Next. That will begin the ripping process.

The ripping usually takes a few hours, depending on the length of the file as well as the settings. Higher quality settings and larger files typically take longer ripping. When the ripping process is done, make sure to check if everything went okay. Sometimes, ripping DVDs might seem to be successful, but when you check the DVD, it's incomplete.

For more successful ripping, you should choose only the right type of DVD. For instance, file storage should be for higher quality DVDs while one- or two-play can be okay with cheaper alternatives.