Get a free DVD ripper, video converter, and ringtone maker

It's been a fun series of freebies this week! Free seasons of TV shows (now expired, alas), free movies from Vudu, a free membership to ShopRunner -- and today, to top it all off, some free software.

Before I tell you about it, I'm going to ask that you please read the instructions as I've outlined them below, as these giveaways always seem to trip up some readers. There's nothing complicated here, but if you don't pay attention, you'll end up e-mailing me about what a fake or scam or screw-up this is.

So. From now until Jan. 2, 2013, Digiarty Software is giving away its WinX iPhone iPad Video Pack, a bundle consisting of three programs: iPad DVD Ripper (which also rips to iPhone and other formats), iPhone Video Converter (which isn't just for iPhone), and iPhone Ringtone Maker. This threesome is for Windows only.

Here's how you get it:

1. Click the giveaway link above or right here.
2. Click the green Get License Code button.
3. Ignore (at least for the moment) the top half of the box that appears. Do NOT click the inviting orange Buy Now button. Remember, there's nothing to buy today.
4. Instead, click the Download link near the bottom of that box, the one under WinX iPhone iPad Video Pack Giveaway.
5. That ZIP file contains the installers and license codes for all three programs. (The codes are listed inside a text file.) Once you install and run any one of the programs, you'll need to copy and paste in the corresponding license code to register it -- otherwise you'll end up with just a trial version.

The only "catch" is that you have to use those license codes -- that is, register the programs -- no later than Jan. 3, 2013.

As I noted above, the DVD ripper and video converter may have iPad and iPhone in their names, but the truth is they can produce video formats that are compatible with most devices. It may take a little fiddling and guesswork to rip a DVD for play on, say, your Android phone, but it should be do-able.

I've had good luck with Digiarty's utilities in the past, and although these are provided without tech support or free upgrades, they're definitely worth your time if you're looking to rip DVDs, convert videos, or create iPhone ringtones (though this last is just as easily accomplished with any number of free iPhone apps). Even if they don't get the job done for some reason, hey, they didn't cost you anything.

If I don't see you again until 2013, have a safe and happy holiday. And remember: the best things in life really are free. Hugs. Compliments. Acts of kindness. Declarations of love. Give them generously. I'll start: I love all you folks and thank you profusely for spending a few minutes of your day here. It means a lot.

Bonus deal: Get 'em while they're hot (pink): Today only, Lenovo has the IdeaPad A1107 16GB Android 4.0 tablet for $129 shipped when you apply coupon code USPAD21213 at checkout. (I just tried the code and it worked, though I'm not sure for how much longer.) The IdeaPad features 16GB of storage, dual cameras, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch screen. It's pink, though, so this one's probably best suited to the lay-deze...

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