The simplest way to record video is to use the QuickTime Player. In the "File" menu is the menu choice for "New Movie Recording". The QuickTime Player will allow you to do very basic video editing. However, iMovie is designed for movie recording and editing. The "Help" menu has a little more information about editing.

   (My Macintosh came with Photobooth installed but the iLife applications like iMovie were on a separate DVD.)

   iLife is about $49.00 (iPhoto 11, iMovie 11 and GarageBand 11). However, if you are running the current version of the Mac OS then you can purchase just iMovie through the new app store for $15.

   If you upload your videos to YouTube you will need to know about their policies and deals with the recording associations for the rights to popular music. I have not been paying attention, however, I believe some copyrighted music will be allowed (and the option[advertisement] to purchase the music appears), some music will be automatically removed, and sometimes your account may be banned. Learning about the music rights is probably the most difficult part of creating your videos.

      Paul