I have a JVC camcorder, that records to mini dv tapes, and I was wondering how to get the videos on to the computer? or a dvd?

I have a mini dv camcorder and we have taped video on the cassettes. Is there a way that we can take what is stored on the cassettes and put in on disc format? Is there any other way to view the mini cassettes without viewing them through the camera? We know how to connect camcorder to TV to watch what was recorded but how could we view if the camcorder did not work? Thanks!