What settings do you use when ripping MP3's?

Question

I'm just curious, what kind of settings do you guys use when ripping MP3's and which program do you use?

I use CDex version 1.51. It's not just the easiest free ripper that I've found, but it also offers more than enough features. I use the default settings and rip at 224 kbps. BTW can anyone explain this VBR method thing to me? I've ripped almost 200 CD's without it and was just wondering if maybe I'm missing out on better quality files?

Answer 1

I usually just use Windows Media Player with the standard 128kbps compression.  Certainly not the best audio quality, but the files take up less space.