
Step 1 : Update ZoneAlarm firewall.
ZoneAlarm firewall has served us well for many years. Our computers are connected online all the time, so we are vulnerable to spywares and hackers that want to plant hidden programs in our computers. These hidden programs work in the background that will slow down our system. ZoneAlarm has since detected and prevented many undesired intrusion. ZoneAlarm reminds us automatically whenever an update is required. ZoneAlarm firewall is freeware.
Step 2: Update AVG anti-virus protection.
AVG detects and removes viruses coming from internet downloads, email attachments, thumbdrives, memory cards and external drives. These usually come from clients that do not have anti-virus protection installed. A virus freezes or crashes your video editing computer rather than slow it down. AVG has detected many viruses coming from email attachments, especially the recent trojan ecards. Thanks to AVG, our video editing computers are safe. AVG updates itself daily. Its is also freeware.
Step 3: Search and delete stray video and audio files.
Sometime we capture or create video files that are abandoned and not used. If they are not created in designated folders, these clips can get lost and forgotten in the hard drive with many other files. This is not good as video files take up lots of memory space. If this accumulates, the hard disk space will reduce very quickly. Use file explorer to search for media files, video and audio. Delete them if they are not required any more. This housekeeping job is done manually.
Step 4: Run CCleaner.
The video production business advances with technology. New software are created frequently to make video production faster and easier. We also rely heavily on software for video conversion, video copying and creation of DVDs. Very often we download and install trial versions. We buy and keep the good ones and uninstall the rest. Uninstalling programs does not erase them completely. Bits of the program will be left behind. Again, the the accumulation of these bits over time will eat up memory space. This is where CCleaner comes in. CCleaner detects and removes the bits. This freeware also removes your internet browser cookies and history. It is like giving the computer a good refreshing bath. The video editing computer feel sparkling clean after that.
Step 5: Defragment.
Finally, after getting rid of the dirt, grime and bugs, tidy up the remaining files in the computer. Imagine an untidy bedroom with things all over the floor. You have thrown away the old or dirty stuff that you do not want. The room is still untidy if you leave the things you want lying around. Imagine arranging your things to one side, you will now have a big empty space to dance around. This is exactly what defragmentation does. Just right-click on C drive, select properties, tools and click defragment now.
There you have it, the 5 steps to speed up the performance of your video editing computer. Do this monthly and you will feel that your computer is as good as new.
Monday, February 25, 2008
5 Steps to Speed Up Your Video Editing Computer if running Windows XP
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Converting Videos to MP4, 3GP, WMV, MPEG And AMV

If you are looking to convert videos to formats of your choice, you will find loads of sites offering converter software. The converter software’s allows users to compress files from any multimedia file to any format that the software supports using the command-line.
To enjoy all your videos, you need to look for the right software. In video conversion software you are provided with varied multimedia conversion options such as converting Videos to MP4, 3GP, WMV, MPEG & AMV. This means that you can also watch all your created videos on the move.
The conversion process is so simple, even a newbie can manage converting video files into the required formats. It is done in a batch mode so as easily convert an entire a list of video files with very little effort. Converting Videos to MP4, 3GP, WMV, MPEG & AMV is as easy as entering a URL, all you have to do is choose your preferred conversion format and follow few simple steps. WMV uses any desired profile; and AVI uses any available audio and video codec. As the files are displayed on the list, you are just a click away in converting videos to MP4, 3GP, WMV, MPEG & AMV. The software used for this purpose incorporates advanced iCompress™ technologies which helps compress video files so that you can convert more videos and movies.
The video conversion software makes the process of converting so many formats a gentle wind by automating all the tasks and giving you the best quality.
How to Convert Video to iPod

With the Apple iPod rapidly growing and getting larger memory, many of us are trying to find out exactly how to convert our favorite videos, downloaded movies and even DVD's to play on them. This process used to be very difficult and required several hours to convert the video files. You had to have software that would rip your DVD or video files to AVI format which would take about 2 hours then convert your AVI files to MOV format which would take longer.
Today, there are many iPod video converter programs that will convert just about any video file to your iPod in less than an hour with only a couple clicks of your mouse. Simply choose the video or DVD file that you want to convert, select the appropriate output format and click convert. That's it.
Because these iPod video converter programs have become so popular, many small companies are trying to cash in on the demand by producing very generic, unstable software that even the programmer would not be able to operate. These companies are making millions from individuals such as you.
Before buying iPod video converter software, do your research first. Don't just buy the first software you see because you are excited to get your favorite DVD on your new iPod.
If you need suggestions on iPod video converter software, then I encourage you to visit: iPod-Converting-Software.com. This site researches the best software for converting your video, DVD's and movies to your iPod with pictures of the software in action and a step by step guide showing you exactly how to convert your video files to iPod.
DVD Burner Software

DVD burner software is a software tool that helps to establish communication with the DVD burner. It functions as an instructor to the DVD burner, by providing information such as how and what to burn.
DVD burner software was introduced to overcome difficulties experienced by the DVD burner hardware component. Such software is capable of reading and writing movies, pictures and home projects. The functions of the DVD burner software include
Copy DVD to CD format, VHS tape to CD format, DVD to DVD, and DVD to VCD, SVCD and DVD audio
Backup DVD to CD format and backup DVD collection with DVD-R or DVD-RW
Download movies of full length
Create DVD or VHS tape library of your own
The software also has the ability to retain images of high quality on copied CDs. Good software uses only a minimum number of steps to create, edit, organize, burn, rescue and share the information. Excellent compression, copy protected movies, episodic and dual layer support are some of the qualities of good software. Some of the burner software available in the market today supports double-layer DVD burning.
One has to consider various factors while buying burner software. The software should use different tools to render easy the copying process. It should have high speed and be compatible with various types of burners, players and DVD discs of different formats.
A variety of DVD burner software is available in the market. One can also download the software from the Internet either free or by payment. Nero 7 Ultra Edition and Roxio Easy Media Creator 8.0 are two powerful burner software programs available.
In order to create discs for DVD video, one must be sure of the configuration of the burning software. If the software is not set properly, the standalone DVD players find it difficult to recognize the discs.
Additionally, the burner software available with DVD burners is a package, which includes three different applications such as a burning program, video-editing program and a DVD / VCD authoring tool.