How-To Geek

This question is kind of misplaced because it is at a majorly sub-geek level, but
I came across the forum and need help from someone smarter on basic usage.
{Please suggest a more appropriate place to post this and similar questions!}

I need to insert DVD's into my laptop, make a video file while it plays, save it,
then have it in a format that can be attached to an email and played back as video
by the recipient.

Windows media doesn't seem to do this, or I can't figure it out if it does.
If I need special software or converters, what are the best, most versatile,
and cheapest? (or free??) Where to download?

I mostly have to send around 10-15 minutes of broadcast quality video at a pop,
not entire movies. What can I do? Thanks everyone for you assistance.
How would I add special code in 'backticks'. Where is the 'backtick' keystroke?
What is the best site to get up to speed on geek speak, starting obviously
with geek 101?

Well, I do have this problem. I can play a DVD, but cannot copy or save the video content as a computer file.
If this is simple, please explain it step by step. There is no 'Copy' function, and no "temporary file" pops up.
Media player will rip an existing video already downloaded, but I want to do the opposite: Play a pre-recorded DVD on the laptop, and make a temportary file copy that can be saved with a name. Then I can browse to it from my email carrier, attach and send it. Hopefully in a format that the average user will then be able to download and play as well.

It is getting it from the actual DVD disk into the computer as a saved file that is my problem.
I have talked to 5 people, all of whom say it is easy, or should be easy, but none of whom can
actually explain how it is done. I agree it sounds like a very basic thing, but I cannot get
video played from a DVD to become a stored computer file.

Do read what Antman posted.
Also. If you right click on the drive (with The DVD in), is there not an option that says "Create Image from CD"?