Howto: Rip All of Your DVDs..for Free

So you want to "back up" your movies? Turns out..its pretty easy. All you need are two easily accessible pieces of software that can be downloaded after a simple google search.

Step 1. Download and install necessary software.
--AutoGK
--DVD Decrypter

Step 2. Rip IFOs and VOB files with DVD Decrypter.
--This is the most simple step of the entire process, and doesn't even require your attention. First, throw one of your DVDs into your DVD drive. Then, either when a windows pop-up comes up select rip using DVD decrypter, or if that does not occur, open DVD decrypter and set the source to the drive with the DVD in it. Then click the start icon (CD with an arrow pointing towards a hard drive icon). The time it takes for this to finish varies, but you should be ok grabbing a snack or playing a game until you hear the "finished" chime (you'll know when you hear it, trust me) The files it rips are by default saved to your root hard drive under a folder with the DVD's name. Although I wish ripping your DVD was this easier, there is one more step ahead.

Step 3. Encode with AutoGK.
--Here is the annoying part. DVD Decrypter ripped a bunch of IFO and VOB files, and you have to now tell AutoGK which IFO file has the movie on it, so that it can magically shit out a nice .avi file with your movie. To get started, open AutoGK. First, hit the folder icon next to "Input File:" and find the folder with the IFOs and VOBs in it. You're going to need to select each IFO, hit enter, and then look under "Output File" to determine whether it is the correct one. To determine the correct one, you'll need to find out how long your movie is. For example, the movie I ripped, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story, is 88 minutes long. So, I searched for an IFO with a length of 1:28:00 (one hour and 28 minutes). Once that IFO is found, your all set. You just need to go to "Advanced Settings", and set "Output resolution Settings" to "Maximum Width", "Output Audio Type" to "Original", "Codec" to "XviD", and finally check off "Display only forced subtitles." I usually set my movies to a predefined size of 1 CD, or 700 MB so that I conserve space while ripping a movie at a decent enough resolution to watch full screen. Finally, set the output file to anywhere you can remember (I put mine in "My Videos" with the name of the movie). The average video encode for my dual-core desktop takes around an hour and a half.

Step 4. Enjoy movie!
--I watch my movies with VLC media player, and if you use another video player I suggest you get AC3 filter to ensure that you receive audio from some of your encoded videos. Have fun!

Howto: Find Free Wi-Fi on the Go

Finding free wi-fi while on the go is one of the most annoying things that plagues us geeks today. No one wants to sign up for one of those damn T-Mobile Wireless Hotspot accounts or (my personal "favorite") Boingo hotspots found at airports, so here's a quick guide on where to find free Wi-Fi while on family vacation, traveling cross-country, etc.

Rule #1: Avoid McDonalds if Possible.
Unfortunately, in my experience, McDonalds usually has a subscription service to use their Wi-Fi, so this is a no-free interwebs zone.

Rule #2: Avoid Starbucks!
99% of the time, Starbucks has a T-Mobile wireless service that prevents you from using Wi-Fi for free. That means no free Wi-Fi.

Rule #3: Find a Local Coffee Shop
The easiest way to find a mecca of free Wi-Fi is to pull up to a local coffee shop (don't go to starbucks, dunkin donuts, etc.). Pull out your laptop, scan for Wi-Fi, and make sure their network is free. If so, stop in and get a bagel or coffee and make good use of their wireless services.

Rule #4: Airports Almost Never Have Free Wi-Fi
Usually they have either a T-Mobile hotspot, a Boingo hotspot, or some equivalent service. Lame.

Rule #5: Hotels are Always a Gamble
It is really hard to guess whether a hotel has a free Wi-Fi service, but there are a few tricks to ensuring you can check your email in your room. 1. Always scan for a wireless network before entering buying a room at a hotel (I usually avoid making a reservation). 2. Avoiding more expensive hotels pays off. Staying at a Marriot or other expensive hotels increases your chances of finding a service that costs money (hotels will usually bill your room). However, hotels from the $95-75 price range will almost always have a complementary wireless service.

But remember, Wi-Fi is never totally free. Local coffee shops offer their Wi-Fi for free in the hopes that you will come in and buy a coffee or a bagel. So please, support the people who let you access your email on the go and pay the $2.50 for the damn coffee.