How to Download DVD's onto a Computer Without a Built-in DVD Player

I NEED SOME EXPERT HELP ….

I am 74 years old and disabled and almost house bound and I spend most of my time on my 8 year old computer to avoid going nuts from boredom ….

I am also computer stupid and am familiar only with the basics . my PC is not equipped with a built in DVD viewer/ player....

I would like to be able to download DVD’S into my PC but cant seem to come up with a way to do it … I have downloaded many of the programs I find on various websites but fail each time … I have a COMPAC SYSTEM AND I USE A.O.L. as my server … I have WINDOWS XP . …. One of my biggest problems is that I don’t understand all the terminology and abbreviations that are used in the instructions that I am able to find …

Would you please be so kind as to send me a simple step by step instruction , in terms that I can understand to set my computer up to where I can download DVD’S into my PC if there is such a way I can do this .

Thank you in advance for your kind attention and hopefully your needed assistance.

Hi, Reader,

Well, the studios take a dim view of us downloading DVDs to our PCs. The easiest way to add DVD capability to your PC is to purchase an external DVD player such as any of these. I would suggest skipping the USB-powered ones. Instead, look for one that has its own power adapter.

However, if you know a person who has built their own PC or have a local shop that custom builds PCs around, adding an external DVD drive is not very expensive. Based on the age of your computer, I think that it would have an "IDE" (wide ribbon cable) connection. Those in the second link should work.

A good shop should be able to install it while you wait for it.