–2 GHz processor or better

–Firewire interface (for digital camcorder)

–I Meg Byte of memory or more

–60 GBytes but more is better

•Allow 10 GBytes for 5 minute short

•External large hard drive recommended

–DVD burner

–Microsoft Movie Maker  

•Free

•Very basic

•Very limited audio editing features

–High-end amateur/low-end professional products  

•Sony Vega Movie Studio,  Adobe Premiere Elements, Pinnacle Studio Plus, etc.

•$80-$150

•Reasonable learning curve for the computer savvy