computer skills

[BrentMc]

Hey thanks for reading this. This is going to sound stupid, but here it goes.
I am using a Dell with Win XP, but might get a Mac soon. I surf the web, IM, email and all that, but I am looking to learn other cool things to do on the computer that you don't need to be a total whiz to do. nothing illegal like hacking, maybe there are some cool free programs you find useful that you might suggest, or just about anything to do with my iPod classic. for instance, I have this video that I like that I would love on my iPod, but the format converters I have tried have been confusing. It is in windows media. I have also had bad luck trying to put my DVD's onto iPod.
This is meant to be a very broad post. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas of cool computer tricks they enjoy. thanks -Brent

 

[BrentMc]

Hey I actually converted a WMV file to play on my iPod :-)

I realize my post was goofy, but I was hoping you guys would have some suggestions of fun skills to learn on the computer.

 

[Jadzia]

depends on your idea of cool really.

there is infinite diversity...


:-)

 

[BrentMc]

lets say photoshop. I hear lots of people say they can photoshop a picture, but that is an expensive program. I figure some people are using bootlegs of photoshop. Does anyone know of good photo editing freeware that works well?

 

[Warp Core Breach]

lets say photoshop. I hear lots of people say they can photoshop a picture, but that is an expensive program. I figure some people are using bootlegs of photoshop. Does anyone know of good photo editing freeware that works well?

Howabout The GIMP? It's free, open source, multi-platform, and fairly similar to Photoshop.

By the way, what did you end up using to convert your WMP video for iPod use? I'm always looking for something new in that area.

 

[BrentMc]

It is called

[FONT='Verdana']Video to iPod/MP4/PSP/3GP Converter[/FONT]​

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[FONT='Verdana']http://www.svssoft.com[/FONT]
This is copied from the help screen. I got it at download.com The reviews were mixed. Most people were just upset you can only convert 10mb with the trial version, but I mostly just wanted to convert the one video. I would love to rip my DVDs to iPod, but I haven't found a program that makes that easy yet. The problem is you have to decrypt the disc,which is illegal so you don't see big name SW companies offering that. I would only rip the DVDs I own. -Brent
[FONT='Verdana'][/FONT]




[FONT='Verdana'][/FONT]​

 

[Lindley]

There's a program called MacTheRipper which I have found useful in retrieving
selected scenes and music off DVDs. It outputs VOB files, which you then need to convert to something else.

 

[farmkid]

Go check out Videohelp.com's tools page to find programs to do just about whatever conversion you want to do. Select the file type/codec conversion you want to do in the "tool features" pulldown menu and it will give you a list of programs that will do it.

 

[BrentMc]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[USS KG5]

In order to make a legal backup copy of a DVD I use the following programs: -

DVDShrink - To backup to an ISO

RipItForMe
DVDDecrypter - These three I use to backup to an mp4 video for IPod
Handbrake

VLC Media Player - Can transcode ANYTHING, but is extremely fiddly to use for this.

Apologies TerriO if you feel this violates board rules, I am trying to focus on the legal use of these programs, though arguably in the US under the terms of the DMCA it is illegal to make a backup copy by this method as well.