Hi. I'm looking for a very simple, but robust video editing software program for a friend.
By "simple" I mean that the editing tasks will be extremely basic - just cuting shots and and placing them in order - no need for multi-tracks, no need for effects, cropping, color correction, etc. Maybe just fade-in fade-out. By "simple" I also mean that the program should be extremely intiuitive and easy to understand for someone who has no prior editing experience.
By "robust" I mean software that won't crash constantly and one that can handle different formats of video.
Looking forward to your replies. Thanks!

Computer is a rather powerful and new laptop running Windows 7

magix i think even the free one would be fine

Microsoft makes Windows Movie Maker for free: Windows Live Movie Maker - Windows 7 features - Microsoft Windows (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/movie-maker)

If you want something more versatile and complete, Adobe Permiere Elements for around US$100 is a pretty good bet.

As Battle said, Movie Maker is included in Windows. It's free, it will do just what you said is needed and did I mention it's free.

I would suggest Pinnacale Studio 14. Its easy to use and will allow room for growth. Its just as easy as Windows movie Mkaer as it has both a timeline and story board. CHeck theri website, you may be able to get a free trial.

My vote goes to Ulead Video Studio Pro X4 (don't let the name get in the way) it goes from doing entire projects for you at the click of a button up to, well, whatever you want to do.

30 day Freebie here: VideoStudio Pro X4 - VideoStudio Pro X4 (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1224171780177#tabview=tab4)


CS

My vote is for COREL VideoStudio X4, as Crhis Soucy recommends.
Is the next step before full pro apps, like Final Cut, Premiere or Avid.

Videostudio is a very, very useful app., easy and full charged of accesories.