Desktop video production technology makes it easier and less expensive to create and edit videos. Small businesses can create short how-to videos or marketing spots to put on the company website. Business people can create videos to use in training or marketing presentations.

Steps to creating your own desktop video recording are as follows:

1. Record video using a digital video camera or a regular video camera;

2. Import the video onto your computer from the camera;

3. Edit and, if necessary, convert the video using desktop video editing software;

4. And share your video by uploading it to a website or burning it to a DVD.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Create or edit videos on your computer with desktop video production software

Import video from your digital camera, or record video using your web cam and import it directly to your computer. Edit out extra footage, combine two or more shorter clips or add a voice-over or music to a sequence that has no audio. Take a group of still photos and combine them with video transition effects and music, creating a slide show or presentation.

I recommend: SpeedEDIT is a streamlined video editing program that lets you quickly create and edit video projects. Choose from various levels of Pinnacle Studio, part of the moderately-priced video editing packages from Pinnacle Systems. View a Flash presentation of the features for Ulead VideoStudio.

Save money with free desktop video software

Download free video editing and conversion software online. Many of these programs have forums, help files or manuals you can download, if you need help learning how to use them. Many companies also offer pay versions with more features.

I recommend: Try Wax, a free video editing program with 2D and 3D plugins. Create and convert videos with DivX for Windows.

Facilitate video sharing with desktop video online editing

A major benefit of online editing programs is that you don't have to download an install the programs. They run on the Internet, right in your browser. These types of websites also usually let you share the videos you've edited with others.

I recommend: Create and share slideshows with Roxio, an online photo and video editing application. Use Adobe Premiere Express to create video presentations you can share online, or add video editing capabilities to your own website.

Display a video desktop background on your computer

Instead of a photo or picture behind the icons on your computer's desktop, you can put a video there. Make your computer look like an aquarium or replay a video of your kids. Be aware that this procedure could use a high amount of your computer's memory.

I recommend: Video Desktop Dream Scape lets you use videos as a full-screen background on your Windows desktop. Download Vital Desktop Video software to make animated wallpaper.

Save desktop videos or mouse movements with desktop video capture software

Use this kind of software to record a digital video, which shows the steps you take to perform a task on your computer, to use in a video tutorial or presentation. Record any streaming video that you view on your computer. Keep in mind, many companies copyright steaming web video, which means it is against the law to copy it.

I recommend: Record movement and video from any part of your Windows computer desktop, and save it as an AVI file with HyperCam. Choose from several video capture applications for sale at Applian Technologies, where you can try each application before you buy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan your short video just as you would a longer movie. Desktop video editing software lets you take several short clips that you recorded separately and put them together into one seamless presentation.