Page 1 of video tapes to dvd

Hi
After playing a few of my old VHS tapes (copied TV stuff) and finding a 'jumpy' and not too clear picture I want to preserve the majority of the other tapes b4 they too become nearly useless. With the advent of recordable DVD (bit pricey at the mo though) this could well be the answer/saviour to save the recorded stuff. My question is, other than purchasing a recordable player, I've read - though didn't quite take in - that there is a method of transferring tapes to the PC and I can then edit them as well as transfer them to a disc. I don't have a DVD on my comp but if this is a cheaper and just as good method of getting my tapes onto DVD then I'm all for it. The problem though is that I'm techilliterate so would need a virtual hand in guiding me through the process as well as pointers to what I'll need to buy. Any help on getting my tapes transferred much appreciated.
Ps. I don't want to use the services of a commercial firm as I have loads of tapes and I want to have the ability of deleting or moving stuff too which i believe could get expensive

I was going to ask the same question too.
As i`ve have some old tapes like thundercats,jet li films uncut that u can`t get on dvd.What do i need installed as in inputs and software,etc.
Is their a type of video clean up that i can do once on my pc .Once cleaned up then onto dvd for future use.