You
read a lot about video editing in this column, and we write about the
many different kinds of video editing software for beginner to pro. But
what is it like using the free video editing software that came with
your computer?
Microsoft's
Windows Live Movie Maker 2011 offers a new user interface and improved
functionality. Editing video with the new Movie Maker software is
simple, fun and productive. But it's been a journey for this free video
editing software to get to this point. In this issue, we take a quick
look at Windows Movie Maker's transformation into a refined tool and
show you the basics of the new Windows Live Movie Maker.
A Windows Movie Maker Flashback
Microsoft loves to remind us that billions of people use Windows
everyday. So it's no surprise the Windows Movie Maker has been a first
crack at video editing for many of video editors. Windows Movie Maker
was first introduced to the world in the Windows 2000 operating system,
but didn't really gain mass attraction until it showed up later in
Windows Me and more notably Windows XP (source: Wikipedia). We remember
the day when all our workstations at the Videomaker office ran Windows
2000, even then we had not spared much time to give Movie Maker a
thorough review. Well, it's time to give it the proper attention it
deserves.
Looking for Free Video Editing Software
During those early days when digital video editing applications were
growing by leaps and bounds, Windows Movie Maker was quietly making
headway against the competition. Through the years, Windows Movie Maker
has managed to amass popularity and out live some of its competitors in
the free video editing software marketplace (remember Avid Free DV?) Yet
Apple's iMovie has always grabbed much more attention over the years
with all its razzmatazz marketing from the Cupertino-based company. But
this is a new day and the new Windows Live Movie Maker has a lot to
offer new editors looking for a free video editing software package.
This new version is very approachable. Its low learning curve makes it a
joy to use and it's got enough advance controls to let your creative
side shine through.
