kaleea,
i have a program that is absolutely hassle-free; you can make MP3s or WAVs with the click of a button. i'm addicted to it. i've been stealing music left and right. it's freeware (you can download it and use it for free, indefinitely), though i just noticed that the website takes donations through paypal.

http://cdexos.sourceforge.net/index.php

i give you this link in the spirit of sharing, and with no desire for personal gain. if, however, you feel compelled to send me an mp3 of si bheag si mhor as sung by graine yeats, i would not say you nay. :):)

since this is of general interest, i'll also put it in its own thread.