Gone are the days where word processing and internet browsing was sufficient for the home computer. As digital art technology shifted from the professional to consumer realm some form of video editing ability, even if it is not an expensive non-linear suite, became the new standard for all computers. For Microsoft, this addition came at the turn of the century.
Windows Movie Maker became a standard inclusion in all Windows operating systems in 2000 and has remained with all incarnations ever since. The original version of the software was packaged with Windows ME and was roundly considered sub-par to Apple’s iMovie.
From there it increased its file support options with version 1.1, which began to make it more user accessible. This was packaged in with Windows XP and gave it an even more needed boost in popularity.
The program itself is a simple non-linear editing program that models itself after the professional interface of programs like Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer. iMovie, the comparative program, has a more self-defined format that can be difficult to make the transition from. Movie Maker prides itself on being a bare bones version of more extensive program, where the logic and method are still the same. From here the user can use the same principles to move on to more advanced editing and DVD authoring packages.
Since the program is free with Windows all PC users have the opportunity to try it out and see if it works. The stress on your computer is small and it is constantly updated because new versions come along with the normal Windows updating process. Compared to other “freeware” editing programs Windows Movie Maker ends up standing out in efficiency and ease of use that is intuitive for most audiences and editors.
There are definite issues with the software, and
Bill Gates even recently criticized its download process. Either way it is onboard with Windows and worth working with to see how it feels. An editing program is only effective if the person using it connects, and you just might find that Windows Movie Maker gives you exactly what you need.