HandBrake

• 1). Download the latest version of HandBrake from the website. Install, agree to the licensing terms and launch the program.
  
  
• 2). Hit the "Source" button to open your computer's finder window and locate the desired MPG video. Open your movie in HandBrake.
  
  
• 3). Select "AVI File" from the output settings format options. You may choose an encoder option, if desired. (Codecs, or encoders, tell your computer how to read or decompress your videos when you play them.) For general conversions, you may want to stay with HandBrake's predetermined options.
  
  
• 4). Click the "Browse..." button next to the destination file field to choose a save location on your computer and press "Start" to begin the conversion.
  
  

AVS Video Converter

• 1). Download and install the latest version of AVS Video Converter, free of charge. Agree to the terms of use and run the program.
  
  
• 2). Load your MPG into AVS by clicking the "Browse..." button next to the "Input File Name" field. Find your video in the pop-up Windows Explorer screen and open it in AVS.
  
  
• 3). Hit the "To AVI" button at the top of the AVS screen. This brings up a set of predetermined presets in the "Profile" field--which you can change by clicking the "Profile" arrow or by clicking the "Edit Profile..." button and setting your own parameters.
  
  
• 4). Click the output file name "Browse..." button. Set the location on your hard drive where you want the video saved to. Hit "Convert Now!" to begin the conversion process.
  
  

QuickTime Pro Conversions

• 1). Visit Apple's website and download QuickTime Player and the Pro Component, which charges a fee. Agree to all licensing terms and run QuickTime Player.
  
  
• 2). Select "Open Files..." from the "File" menu to find the desired MPG on your computer. Choose to open it in QuickTime. Wait for your video to load in its own player window.
  
  
• 3). Click "File" and choose the "Export..." option. Select "Movie to AVI" from the drop-down list of export choices.
  
  
• 4). Name your file and choose a save location on your computer's hard drive. Click "Save" to begin converting your MPG to AVI.