Hi,
I am basically a guitarist, first, and i dabble in many other instruments as well. I tried using Windows Movie Maker a while ago but it did not handle the type of files my Sony cam produces. I am using a Sony DCR-SR40 cam. My cam makes HUGE files.
I would need a converter, too, but the last time i tried, the finished product was grainy looking. I gave up. I figure someone has to know what they are using to get those cool videos on youtube.
I am trying not to spend too much (if any) money to accomplish what i want to do. Seems as though as soon as i get all set up, nothing is compatible anymore and it all needs replacing and comes with new software to learn or updates that seem like new software.

I used to have a Cubase recording studio, with which i made a cd called, Nothin' But Trouble(s).
I also used to be able to use Photoshop and i was pretty talented with that, i made my jewel case with it, and did hundreds of cool graphic art edits. For me, it seems as soon as i get comfortable with a work station (a sound studio or photoshop) my pc needs a new operating system which ends up not being compatible with most of my software and i end up being talented on my old pc which no longer works and the new one feels like someone else's pc.
I want to get back to investigating making movies again, maybe the technology is better/cheaper/easier this year.

I am looking for a software that would accept the videos i record with my cam corder, then allow me to take audio wave files from where ever i wanted and edit and process them, and would let me sync the sound to the video (like lip-synching) so i could make personal videos that i can upload to youtube or where ever. Make dvd's of my movies, too.
Stuff like, being able to easily make backgrounds using whatever, even other vidoes, and then superimpose other videos onto that background. I would like to import audio, and synch it to a video from my camcorder - basically, to have all the control i would need to make a professional looking video.

I am a chatter and i like playing music in the chat room through the sound card and i like using the mic to talk, as well. I was using an old ct4830 soundblaster card, and i really got used to the Creative Labs mixer. I was able to click on a wave icon on the mixer and be able to record wave sound, also from the net, like people talking in chat, into a wave editor, which i now need to replace, also.
I really rely a lot on my sound card for many different things.

I go to a friend's place and his computer is not able to record the audio from youtube. He can't mic his guitar through the mic input and record the sound onto an audio editor, his sound card is not built for that. Mine needs to be able to do all of this.

I am pretty certain that you video guys must know a lot about these topics as you deal with sound, as well.

Now, please remember, i am a nooby. Please, don't think that i have any experience in all of this video talk and think i will catch on to your high tech jargon/words.

I get used to one software and freak out when it comes time to leave the obsolete behind and move on. About three years ago, i was amazing with my cubase studio and photoshop softwares. I've seen the newer versions and i feel so lost - so dumb.

My pc now uses Windows 7 and i have a 175 Gig hard drive, and i just bought a 320 Gig external storage yesterday that seems to be missing a power wire, so i'll have to talk to the store about that.

Anyway, that's my nooby question/situation.
I may have written too much info so please re-read and try to grasp what i need before you all start just suggesting stuff which could leave me scratching my head and asking you dumb questions. Please take the time to even over-explain things because i'll probably not understand too well if the answers are not clear and meant for a pc software, noobly, dimwit like myself.

I bow, in awe, at you informed movie gods/geeks.

Thanks,
Robbie