Get DVDFab DVD Copy software for free

DVDs may be on the way out, but for now they're still a pretty big part of movie-watching life. Just one problem: they're incredibly prone to scratches, and a scratched DVD is a non-playing DVD.

That's why I sometimes like to make copies of the movies I own, just to have a backup. I'm also a fan of copying DVDs to my media-center hard drive for faster, easier viewing.

Alas, good, reliable copy utilities tend to be pricey. But today only, Giveaway of the Day has DVDFab DVD Copy absolutely free. The app is normally $50, and is widely regarded as one of the best in its class. And it comes with a year's worth of updates.

Update: As always, you can find the registration code inside the readme file include with the download.

Unlike traditional DVD rippers, which convert movies into mobile-friendly video files, DVD Copy is designed expressly for copying DVDs to blank discs and/or your hard drive (in ISO format). It can perform 1:1-ratio copies or add compression (great for fitting movies onto single-layer discs). In fact, the program offers eight different copy modes, including the option to split a DVD onto two blank discs (again, useful for single-layer media).

I especially like some of its other tools, like the option to remove FBI warnings and make the copied disc jump directly to the main menu (bypassing all the previews).

To find out more about DVD Copy (and its system requirements), see the developer's page. Update: This is NOT the link where you should download the software. Use the link near the top of the post, the one that takes you to the Giveaway of the Day site.

As with all Giveaway of the Day deals, you must download and install the software before the stroke of midnight (PT) tonight.

Bonus deal: Did you buy a Netbook that came with Windows 7 Starter? Here's your chance to upgrade on the cheap: Circuit City has the Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade for $19.99 (plus $1.99 for shipping). It'll upgrade your system from Starter to Home Premium.