haha, avoid the lame windows software. Here are some options for various experience/quality levels:
HARDEST/BEST QUALITY: virtualdub (for resizing, filters, etc) & Cinema Craft Encoder (encoding) & some authoring program (ex: DVDLabPro, Sony DVD Architect)
MIDDLE/GOOD QUALITY: TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress - all in one resize / filters / encode & some authoring program still needed (ex: DVDLabPro, Sony DVD Architect)
EASIEST/OK QUALITY: ConvertX2DVD - as few clicks / thinking as possible. converts straight to burn-ready DVD folders