Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing software, a present in Windows XP.  It is easy to edit video, but there are only a small number of effects in this package, so to make a appealing video, you can add extra transitions and effects add-ons for Windows Movie Maker.

Rehan’s Pan Zoom Effects

Rehan’s Pan Zoom Effects is a custom effects package for Movie Maker 2. It allows you to apply Ken Burns style Pan and Zoom effects to your still photos and movie clips.

TranJelly LE

This Wizard specializes in creating realistically beveled transitions for Movie Maker, using the terrific transition geometries available in our SpiceMaster Pro Wizard. Choose visually from four different bevel styles and four levels of bevel depth. Adjust the timing of the transition as desired

Windows Movie Maker 2 Winter Fun Pack 2004

The Winter Fun Pack 2004 includes:Stunning Holiday visualizations, skins and PowerToys for Windows Media Player 10. Winter Fun Wallpaper Changer and Holiday Elf Dancer.

Windows Live Movie Maker is another great free program available as part of Windows Live Essentials. The only thing is with Windows Live Movie Maker it’s available for only Windows Vista or Windows 7. I have tried to download and install it on Windows XP but that’s just not an option. Here is a description from the Windows 7 Product Guide about Windows Live Movie Maker:

Windows Live Movie Maker

Are you looking for a better way to share and show off your videos and snapshots? Windows Live Movie Maker makes it fast and easy to make great-looking movies and slideshows from your videos and photos. It’s simple to import standard or high definition video and photos, and have AutoMovie add animations, music, and a title in minutes. Then just burn your movie to a DVD or upload it directly to YouTube to share.

I have used Windows Live Movie Maker on many occasions to prepare video clips to create DVD movies. The many times I have used the program it has been extremely easy to use. IT so simple you can probably just about learn the program in five minutes. If you need to do occasional or basic video editing then Windows Live Movie Maker has you covered.