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Isn't there other software that allows you to copy/rip DVDs ?

Not commercial. There are open source tools that you can accomplish this with and there are certainly shady products you can find online that aren't supported and probably aren't owned and operated inside the United States. The important thing is that they are not sold at Best Buy nor are they easy to use. I know ways of doing it with Ubuntu but your average person is still mystified that typing something on a command line causes my DVD player to do something.

DVD X Copy comes to mind although I've never used it, that's the most commercial looking stuff I've ever seen. And this is what its site says:

Authentic DVDXCopy software is no longer being sold anywhere.

In response to:

If there isn't, can I write one and get sued ? At least I'd get my name in the papers...

Sir, you need look no further than the RIAA/MPAA to be sued. Why bother writing software when you can simply create a single backup copy of a CD or DVD for your personal use and notify them that you have done so. Your name won't make the papers but you will be sued. I'm certain they will be able to show that since you had it on your computer and your computer was connected to the internet, you were distributing it to several thousand other people who had no legal right in owning it. You won't be sued for the additional price of that media, you will be sued $75,000 because that's how much money you thieved from them! And thus you can be part of the ridiculous system that is digital music today!

DVDXCOPY will take care of that problem for you. You can make a backup without the trailers and warnings.

Buy blank DVD+/-R media: $1
Rent DVD: $1
Copy DVD using 321's DVD XCopy: free

My kid gets sick of it? Big fucking deal. It cost me $2.

Does this REALLY matter anymore? Are they still harping on the original code that Jon released? Did anyone bother to check that there are dozens of freeware applications, and ones that are commercially sold that are able to decrypt, de-macrovision, and de-regionize DVD's in one click?

The original DeCSS code that this bullshit is about isn't even a factor anymore. A better mousetrap has been built. Why bother this kid anymore? All this points out is that the Norwegian court system is owned by corporate interests, and the fools running it follow their whims like sheep.

So if this becomes mainstream, will software like DVD-X-Copy and Pinnacle Instant Copy become useless? If you can backup your movies on Dual-Layer discs, then all you need is DeCSS and regular DVD/CD burning software.

DVD burners standard within the next year? That sounds a little too auspicious to me.
The usefulness for backing up information is obvious, but is there any real software that allows you to make copies DVDs and maintain the quality? (I'm just asking out of curiosity... not for any illegal reasons)

It isn't perfect, but DVDXCOPY seems to work fine for my needs. My kids trash a DVD about every two weeks so it has saved me a fortune.

Wha...? Damn! Now I have the Disney police knocking at my door!

If you're ambitious enough to enter everything into your PDA, all the power to ya'. Otherwise, I found it handy for boring classes to be able to read the news (basically like bringing an electronic magazine to class). You may think it sounds funny and that only flunkies would do such a thing, but I gaurentee there will be courses you show up for the sole reason to either receive or hand in assignments. The rest of the time is just filler. If you do get a PDA, make sure you get 802.11 support with it.

I think the only device you really need is a good computer. Laptops are nice because you can take them to group sessions, but not necessary. A desktop will give you more features for a lower price. I would get a desktop and save my money to get a newer one in two years when it's obsolete. Most public campuses here in the Midwest seem to be Microsoft campuses, so you might as well get a Windows machine and buy/steal Office from your University right away (unless you're an Art/Music student, you'll want to check with your department as you'll likely find more value in a Macintosh).

If you get a laptop, get a wireless NIC with it! Printer isn't absolutely necessary because you'll have access to printers on campus or possibly at work, depending where you work. You'll probably want a decent sized hard drive for P2P. An LCD monitor is hella-sweet in the dorms.

Here's a tip: Don't buy a piece of crap, overpriced, used computer from "a friend your dad knows" or from schmuck in the newspaper. Dell and HP Compaq always have new machines for around $300-$400, and if you look around, they often have new machines in the low $300's, which leaves more room to add the features you really need/want. If you're really looking to pinch pennies, buy a machine from Dell with the things they offer cheap (like video cards and DVD burners) and buy the stuff they sell expensively from an alternate source (like Memory or CD readers). Make sure you get name brand memory, though, as Dell's can be a bit finicky with cheap memory. I've had good luck with Kingston ValueRAM in my Dells.

And let's not forget about the Golden rule of the dorms - he who owns a DVD burner and the right software makes the friends. ;) Dell often has a deal where you can get a DVD burner for $99.

I recommend a decent size TV too (~25") and a DVD burner that can read all types of media, because I know my roommates and I spent a lot of time playing video games and watching TV...unless you're a girl...then just get some rollerblades and some hot pants or something from Wet Seal or whatev.

Let's recap - a good computer (I prefer a desktop), a good TV, and a beer fridge. Any further questions? Oh yeah, and some helpful, off-topic advice:

1. College is not primarily for education. It's merely a system our society has created to determine who is willing to jump through more hoops than the others.
2. Don't be bummed that you didn't get the GPA you got in high school. There is a good chance you will either a) fail a course, or b) drop it before you fail it. And you will probably take at least a course or two over.
3. It doesn't really matter what you major in. Don't let it stress you out. Just study what you're good at. They're pretty much all the same anyway...
4. Most importantly: NOT EVERYONE IS MEANT TO GO TO A UNIVERSITY. If you can't handle it, don't worry. Try something else. It doesn't mean you're a failure, it just means it's not for you. Some people have PhD's, but that doesn't mean anyone below them is stupid. Different strokes for different folks. Remember that, especially when you get all depressed about some bad grade(s) you get.

> The DVD burners currently available can't copy a full-length movie.

I think these folks would beg to differ. I've used this software, and although somewhat buggy, it seems to be the easiest and best solution out there. Of the movies I've tried so far, about one-third fit the entire movie on a DVD+R disc, about half fit the movie only without extras, and the remaining required two discs (very rough estimate).

> You have to rip the original movie, and increase the compression

I must be hillicnating then as I look at the backups of my DVD collection that are in uncompressed MPEG2 format. Perhaps I should take my dose of LSD in the evening instead of the morning...

No, sorry, Microsoft doesn't collect lists of softare, not even the article says that. What it does say is that if they wanted to, they could locate what software you have by looking for registry keys or files specific to that app.

E.g. if the MPAA approached them to find out how many Windows users have DeCSS or DVD X Copy installed, it wouldn't be hard to include a trojan that would find out who they are as well.

Windows Update can become a tool for warrantless searches.

From the people who brought you DVD Copy Plus