How to Edit Videos

This article shows you ways to edit your home made videos. Describes the software and freeware available for this purpose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Enthusiasm

1. 
    
   System info in Windows Vista

   Video editing needs powerful computers, especially if you would like to edit HD videos. So, first step is to learn more about your computer.
   
   Click start, then control panel and then double click System. Note your:
   1) Operating system (Windows XP, Windows Vista 32-bit, Windows Vista 64-bit, etc.)
   2) CPU (Processor) type and speed
   3) Memory (RAM)

2. Second, you have to decide if you would like to
   1) Use a freeware
   2) Use Windows Movie Maker
   3) Invest on a Video Editing Software

3. If you want to use a freeware, best way to find video editing freeware is download.com. So,
   1) Go to www.download.com
   2) Click Video Software from Windows Software panel on the left
   3) Click Video Editing Software
   4) Narrow your search by clicking "Free" from the License Type List
   5) From what is available you can choose depending on the Editor's ratings or users ratings.
   
   ** Keep in mind that freeware won't be as powerful as video editing software that you buy. But still they might do the job depending on the complexity of the project.

4. 
    

   Another option is to use Windows Movie Maker:
   
   1) Windows Movie Maker is also a feature of Windows Vista that enables you to create home movies and slide shows on your computer, complete with professional-looking titles, transitions, effects, music, and even narration.
   2) If you are using Windows XP, you can download Windows Movie Maker for free from Download.com.
   
   Detailed information on using Windows Movie Maker can be found in the "Getting started with Windows Movie Maker" article on Microsoft's Website.

5. Last option is to invest on a Video Editing Software.
   My suggestion is to do a detailed search on Amazon.com to find the software that fits best for your needs and compatible with your system.
   
   Most commonly used Home Video Editing Software are:
   
   1) COREL (Formerly ULead) VideoStudio Series
   2) Sony Vegas Series
   3) Cyberlink Power Director Series
   4) Pinnacle Series
   5) MAGIX Movie Edit Pro Series
   
   When selecting a Video Editing Software make sure that it is compatible with your system (Step 1). Some software for example don't support Windows 64-bit editions.
   
   You can download trial versions of all these software, either from download.com or manufacturers' web sites. In this way, you can see how it works, and if it has all the features that you are looking for.
   
   You can learn using a lot of cool video editing effects/techniques from YouTube.com or Video Tutorials Software Manufacturer's website.
   
   Using one these software helps you create professional looking DVDs, even Blue ray discs from your homemade videos.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure what you want to do before paying money for a software.
• If you decide to buy, first download a trial version and test drive the software.

[offgrid]

on 1/27/2009 Great tips and information.. 5*

[wizardofodds]

on 1/27/2009 Great article! 5* Although, I do not ever have to edit videos, my husband does that for us :))