Vista - Newbie to DVD world

I just bought a new computer with Vista (64bit system). I have a home VHS video I have entrusted others to trandfer to a DVD for me and make me the copies I need to give those who want them. Here it is 2 years later and I gave up on waiting for the copies so I bought this computer. It will burn DVD's it says, but I have found no way to get it on my computer. Every ripping program I have found, you have to buy and I really do not want to buy one until I try it. It needs to be simple enough for a beginner, even just a week trial. I do not mind buying one once I know how it works and I can find my way around in it to do what I need it to do. It just has to be simple to understand and work (Remember I am a beginner!) Anyone know of any such free trial program that isn't chocked full of spyware or pop ups?

I am having a horriable time enough getting use to Vista.

Sorry to here of your troubles but I think I can help.
First:
You say you have a VHS to add to your hard drive.
You will need to purchase a USB Video input device so that you will be able to connect your VCR to your PC and record the film to the HDD.
Here is one you can see:
Pinnacle Dazzle DVD Recorder - Video Capture, Composite, S-Video, Stereo Audio, USB 82301006351 at TigerDirect.com

Second:
You are looking for a dvd burning program that is easy for beginners and has trail ware.
Good news I know of one that is both. Nero 9 is the one I recommend.
You can create fully custom dvd's easy!
It will work full blown till the end of the trial.
Nero - Trial Version

If you all ready have your video on disk but cant rip that to the HDD,
try Xilisoft DVD Ripper.
It is very easy to use, very fast and also can be trialed.
The only catch is without a Program Key it will only record the first 5 minutes of the movie being ripped.
DVD Ripper - DVD ripping software, rip DVD to AVI, MPEG, DivX

OK so I hope this helps you out.
If you have any more Q&A fell free to send me a privet message by clicking on my name and I will get back to you.

Great reply DemonSeed

After working on it all week and downloading 3 programs to try, I FINALLY got a copy made. I have to see if I can do it again since I have more wanting copies but I finally got ONE done!! Thanks for all your input.

I got it done with NTI Movie Maker, a program that I think was already on my computer. (I just didn't know what it was.... )

I STILL haven't figured out how to find things in Vista..