1) You need to know your computer and OS. Some camcorders use Firewire to transfer video to the computer while others use USB. USB is not Firewire. Check to see if your computer has USB and/or Firewire ports. If you cannot identify them, check your computer's manual. Also, video editing software is built into both Windows (Movie Maker) and Mac OS X (iMovie). These programs are somewhat limited on features, but are great starting tools for beginners.

2) Each camcorder format has a different set of steps to take in order to edit the footage. MiniDV uses Firewire to transfer the video to the computer. The resulting imported (import: to bring into the computer) file can be easily edited in either Movie Maker or iMovie. From there, you can burn a DVD of the edited footage. DVD or Hard Disk Drive(HDD) camcorders use USB to transfer video to the computer. The imported files are in a format called MPEG2. This is a widely accepted format in editing software, but in order for that format to be readable by the computer or the software, a codec has to be installed on the computer. A codec is a program that is designed to decode information into a format that the computer and other software can read and manipulate. These codecs come with third-party editing software such as Adobe Premiere Elements and Sony Vegas Studio. Basically, Movie Maker or iMovie cannot edit these native MPEG2 files because the computer does not come with a MPEG2 codec installed. These cost money as well which is why they aren't included.

When imported to the computer, most HDD camcorders have a file extension (file extension: the part of a filename that signifies what type of file it is (i.e. xxxxxxxx.mpg)) that ends in .mpg (.mpg signifies that the file is a MPEG video file). JVC on the other hand uses a different file extension for its HDD camcorders. This file extension is .mod. Most video editing software can't interpret that extension so that is why JVC HDD camcorders are not favorable for editing.

Sorry if this was a bit too technical, but here are some tips for finding a good camcorder:
1) Search this forum for other discussions.
2) Take a look at the Camcorders Forum Sticky.
3) Look through www.camcorderinfo.com for some very helpful reviews and information.