what is a good dvd converting software?

If by "convert" you mean convert to mp4 or something like that to play on your computer, then you want Handbrake, which is free.

If you mean to transfer the whole of the DVD to your computer, you'll want mactheripper. (You can also use mactheripper to transfer all the DVD data to your computer and then compress it to Handbrake afterward.)

iDVD is fine for many wanting to burn movies to DVD. If you're more serious and want something more powerful, you'll want to buy Toast, which many people around here use.

 

See here for some answers.
http://forum.videohelp.com/topic335954.html

 

cinematize

I had very good luck with this software.
not free but worth the $ imho

http://www.miraizon.com/products/products.html

I had to pull footage off dvd's with audio to edit promo a coming attractions reel dvd.

It allows you to preview and choose only the footage you need, rather than convert to whole thing. very nice choices for output format and audio formats.

I did the edits in imovie then burned to dvd, all on a ibook.

btw: never had a problem with copy protection.