What do I use to rip my music CDs on PC?

No, I don't wanna use iTunes or WinAmp.  Should I use Daemon Tools or something?  Can Alcohol do it?

Well, I've got Exact Audio Converter.  I found out how to get tags with freedb's database.  And I know I need to use an external compressor (LAME) for the best results.  Now here's the question.  Where can I find LAME?  I know the main site for LAME, but they only offer it in source code and I'm too stupid to figure that out.  Is there a place that offers it in .exe?