Time is a big factor in your situation.  Going the video to PC to DVD route is an activity that demands lots of time and a big investment in learning to use the capture devices and various applications involved.  Some people get satisfaction from going through the whole learning process and producing their first DVD for viewing on the family's tv.  Most found the whole experience agonizingly frustrating.  Currently, going the PC route has gotten much easier since PCs are much more powerful and the various hardware/software involved are much more stable.   But, in your situation I think you should go for a standalone VHS to DVD copier or a DVD-Writer that has analog inputs because you have a "bunch of VHS family videos" to copy.   Again, time is a big factor.  Go to a local store such as Circuit City and pick one of these up to try out.  You will probably find that they more than satisfy your expectations.  Good luck.