Conversion of VOB to MPEG? - Implementation of DVD video data in Powerpoint (Dec/09/2006 )

I like to implement tracks of a DVD in a powerpoint presentation; as I do not like to start a player outside of powerpoint, I like to convert from VOB to MPEG and then from MPEG to GIF;

is there a (possibly free?) program to convert VOB DVD video data to MPEG?

You'll need to use an encoder. Auto-GK is a free DivX encoder, which will turn your VOB to avi. Another possibility is Avi2DVD, which also has the capabilities of converting DVD (there is a DVD mode there) to MPEG, although I have never used it.
But if are interested just in a few frames (pictures), try some screen capture utility (or press PrtScn on the keyboard).