[kj] OT: free video conversion software

[a.madani at anirrationaldomain.net]

I got a DVD recently that has .avi files, and my PC won't recognise the 
format. I can play the sound, but there's no picture. 

Does anyone know of reliable free software that can convert the files to 
mpeg or wmv? That is, without a nag screen asking you to buy the software 
plastered in the middle of the screen? 

Thanks in advance.