Yes. Install the s/w and drivers on your PC, then simply attach the RCA or S-Video "Out" on your VCR player with the provided cables, then the USB to your computer. Then load up the PC s/w, and off you go! Press play on the VCR, and at the same time click Record within the Import section of the s/w on the PC and let the tape play. You can pause or stop the recording anytime. Once imported/captured, then the s/w allows you to edit the recorded movie, add titles, etc. before exporting to a DVD or other format. Dead easy!

It's Linksys, so I'd say Yes to your first question. You place this extender somewhere midway between your router and the weak/dead area. I recommend placing close to your router only whilst you configure/set-up initially. Then unplug and place nearer your dead spot. As to how far it extends, this is difficult to say, because wi-fi network span is affected by all sorts, e.g. walls in the way, especially those with metal framing under the drywall, other network devices in between, etc.

I have my extender working with a 2014 model E4200 with no issues. I would expect the E2500 to work too. This extender and your router are both Linksys, so there is a very high degree of good compatibility.

As well as configuring this as a wi-fi extender, you can configure this device to be a wi-fi- "bridge" too (which is what you are describing as requiring for your A/V receiver). It should work fine for you.