There was a time when you needed a lot of specialist equipment - and training - before you could try your hand at editing. But the PC revolution has changed all that..

Indeed, it might surprise you to know that you probably have the software you need to edit together a professional-looking movie right in front of you, on your PC.

If you're using Windows XP, you'll probably already have Windows Movie Maker installed alongside the operating system. You can find out how to use Movie Maker.

If you're using a Mac with OS X , your computer will have iMovie installed. Find out how to use iMovie.

Other software for these and other operating systems is available – some of it is free, and much of it is available for download. You can find a comprehensive list of video editing software on Wikipedia.

If you feel you'd like to try your hand at something with more features, you could try a professional editing package. Many different packages are available to buy, and some of them offer time-limited or basic versions to try for free.

Amongst the sample packages used by people who edit for a living are:
Avid (for Windows or Mac)
Premiere (only for Windows)

If you want some ideas about how to bring material together in a way that looks effective, try taking some tips from the BBC's One Minute Movies and Superstar VJs.

And if you get stuck, and need some help, advice or friendly pointers, why not try one of the many online forums? For example, Video Help or Digital Video Editing

The BBC and the Open University are not responsible for the content of external websites. Before downloading anything to your PC, make sure you have up-to-date virus protection software installed.