Help putting my DVDs to my cheap MP4 player

[Gaznolan]

Hi Im new here so please dont shout if this is in the wrong place.

I ve recently purchased some cheap MP4 players and I want to put my own store bought DVDs on them .Now I know I have to RIP the DVD to my hard drive then convert the file to either AVI or MP4 to view it on the player. I ve tried loads of free trial options and succeeded in putting various trojans on my PC (which are being removed) . Can anyone suggest a good, preferably free, bit of software to do what I want ? I'm in the UK if that makes any difference also I'm in my 40s so the simpler the better please