How Do I Copy my DVD Masterpiece?

[dktenor]

I'm a complete newbie. I've read some of the stuff here on ripping. I will be making home-grown DVD's of my old home movies. I want to make copies (for family). My PC has a CD player and a DVD+RW. Reading the material here - do I rip the entire DVD to disk and then burn? Is there a site with a explanation for dummies? I assume I need Smartripper (or equivalent). I have NERO. Will that work for burning?
Thanks,
Doug