you can make an iso, that is a digital replica. the iso can be played with for example vlc.

you can use makemkv, which creates an mkv file out of every video. this allows additional file managing, cause you get a lot of mkv files if the dvd has several bonuses. mkv wont change the encoding, cause its just a container.

as for the skipping…i used to clean up all my nonreadable dvds. just plain old simple soap and luke warm water. cleaned with microfiber cloth.

warner currently has a dvd rot replacment project, but people said you have to jump though too many hoops to make it work. and thats just warner, the other dont even care.

in the end of the day, the end user needs an id. this is perfect for the everyday user, but obviously if you are writing anti regime articles, you might want to look around for more anonim apps.

ive seen this in opera, and instantly ran into the options to disable it. i donno how many tab you guys have in the browser, but may god forgive you all for using the browser wrong.