Windows 10 video editor

Did you know Windows has a built-in video editor? While more like Apple iMovie or Windows Movie Maker than Adobe Premier, the Windows Photos app also edits video. Surprised? I was.

But first, get the video file onto your computer. Either pull the SD card from your digital camera and put it in your computer, upload videos from your phone to your phone's cloud service, or download them to your computer, and then you can edit them.

Now that the video is on your computer, right-click on it, click Open with, and choose Photos. Photos will play your video. To edit the video, click Edit & Create on the toolbar at the top.

To remove a section of the video, use the Trim tool. Drag the on-screen handles to where you want your video to start and end. Use the Play button to preview your selection and click Save a copy to save it. The file saves with "Trim" added to the original filename to keep your changes separate from the original. Your edited file saves in the same directory as the original file. Click Cancel to discard any changes.

The other tools on the toolbar work the same way. You can add slow-motion effects, save photos, and even draw on your video file.

To do even more with your video, like adding text or music, create a video project. Once you create a project, open a video to add filters, text, camera motion, and 3D effects like snowflakes or even lightning bolts. You can also create a video from pictures on your computer and add music to that, too. Video projects can have themes to bring the elements of your project together in one "look."

Complete your video project and choose Export to save the file on your PC.

Editing videos with the Photos app won't replace dedicated video editing software, but it's on your computer right now.

If you're up to date on your Windows Updates, or running Windows 11, you can do all of this by using the new Video Editor app in the apps list.

Travel tip

Most hotel TVs have extra HDMI inputs on them, so why not bring your entertainment with you? You can hook up a gaming console, a DVD player, or a streaming device like a Chromecast, FireTV stick or a Roku and watch any of your at-home streaming services while you're on the road. A basic Roku stick is about $20 and comes with all the cables you need, except maybe an extension cord to reach an AC outlet in your room. And don't worry about signing in to your streaming service over an unsecured hotel or campground Wi-Fi connection. Most streaming sticks have sign-in setups that bypass the local Wi-Fi by logging in to the service using your phone and then handing your connection off to your device.

Magnifying glass

Maybe it's just me, but the print on labels and instruction sheets seems to get smaller and harder to read. Your smartphone can help.

Either take a picture of the label, device, or printed piece you're having trouble with, then open the image and zoom in to help you read the fine print.

Or, you can use the magnifying glass on your smartphone. On Apple phones, keep swiping right until you get to the App Library. In the Search bar at the top, type Magnifier and use the app. On Android phones, go to Settings and tap Accessibility. Then, turn on the Magnification shortcut. I think it's easiest to use the triple tap option for accessing the Magnifier, but give all the possibilities a try to find which one works best for you.

Differences

Q: Do you know the difference between education and experience?

A: Education is what you get when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.

Do you have a computer or technology question? Greg Cunningham has been providing Tehachapi with on-site PC and network services since 2007. Email Greg at [email protected].