Multimedia forum: Need to save VHS & cassettes to DVD and/or CD - Pls Help!

(Warning - I'm kind of a newbie, so please be gentle!) I know I need to buy something, but I'm confused about what product or products I need to buy.

The situation is this: I have a stack of training videos on VHS tapes, and a stack of training programs on audio cassette tapes, and a stack of training videos on DVDs.

I want to be able to save the contents of the VHS tapes and cassette tapes onto a DVD (or CD?) as well as make copies of the DVDs that I have.

I have a basic Windows XP system. I'd prefer not to spend more than $300 and I'd prefer something external rather than internal, if possible. Are there other details or preferences I need to provide to help narrow it down?

What type of hardware and/or software do I need to accomplish this?

If anyone can tell me EXACTLY what to ask for when I go to Best Buy or Circuit City or order through an online store (I don't know,you tell me?), I would appreciate it SOOO much! The more specific (brand name, model, etc), the better! I trust this forum!

Thanks VERY much for any guidance you can provide!!