[ale] Linux, DVD, and AVI/MPG conversion

[bkruger at mindspring.com (Bob Kruger)]

All;

I must admit that I am woefully ignorant of Linux and DVDs. 

I am looking for a program that will allow me to convert some avi and 
mpg files into a format that can be read on a stand alone DVD player 
like what you have connected to your television.

Is there anything out there for Linux, or will I have to go the Windows 
<gulp> route?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

V/r

Bob