I’m looking for some free software for converting dvd to play on ipod touch. I’ve downloaded Handbrake but it seems to be taking forever to process at the start even though it says ‘can take up to 1 minute’. Any good free conversion software folks can recommend for windows.

Try these guys. http://www.redkawa.com/

The DVD has to be region free. So Roam or The Collective (for example) will be fine but a normal film will not… You’ll beed DVD Decrypter for that.. I found this link:
DVD Decrypter
but I take no responsibility to what you might download there, the file name looks right to me but I’ve had my copy for ages…
Handbrake should work fine for region free DVDs (or decrypted copies on your HD..)

I use handbrake and have never had a problem – let it take its time – a dvd is a large file (700MB+ for a film) and will take time to perform the conversion (rendering etc).