Sorry to repeat some of the other things said, but I haven't found a good Linux solution either. I still use my windows box to do it. I use RipIt4Me, which in turn uses DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink. Works on 99.9% of all DVDs. Only thing I had an issue with was Wall-E (chapters were all out of order for some reason!).

In general, I go to http://www.videohelp.com/ [videohelp.com]

for any information about ripping, converting, or anything to do with audio/video help (as the name would imply).

Try out anything by Nifflas. Free games requiring little power. They have relatively unusual gameplay. Try out Within a Deep Forest and Knytt first:
http://nifflas.ni2.se/,