Video/Movie editing program

I want to get my halibut video up, but I want to make it look good with music, titles and effects, but Microsoft movie maker isn't going to cut it.  It crashes too much and it doesn't offer much.  What programs do ya'll recommend.  The video is 27minutes long so I need to shorten it up and throw in some still shots with good transitions and stuff like that.  I don't want to throw some boring lame video like some of my past ones up.  It will be a good video once I find the right program to edit it with that doesn't crash.

Here is what Im working with

Windows 8


System   
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  Manufacturer TOSHIBA
  Model Satellite S855
  Total amount of system memory 8.00 GB RAM
  System type 64-bit operating system
  Number of processor cores 4
 
Storage   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Total size of hard disk(s) 921 GB
  Disk partition (C:) 734 GB Free (921 GB Total)
  Media drive (D:) CD/DVD
 
Graphics   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  Display adapter type Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
  Total available graphics memory 1664 MB
        Dedicated graphics memory 32 MB
        Dedicated system memory 0 MB
        Shared system memory 1632 MB
  Display adapter driver version 9.17.10.2828
  Primary monitor resolution 1366x768
  DirectX version DirectX 11 or better
 

I would look into Sony Vegas.  It's a pretty good video editing program.  Or if you really want to step up, you can get Adobe Premiere.  IMO Sony Vegas will do most of want you want and cost less.  I use Premiere myself but I have used Vegas for years also.  I would definitely look at the hardware requirements before buying.  You have a nice laptop there, but its using the onboard graphics, and that's where you might have issues.  Playback video might get a little choppy when you start adding effects, graphics and transitions.

I use a desktop machine with tons of storage, memory and a dedicated video card.  My video card is a 1 gig board.

Also Adobe use to let your download older versions of their software or demo versions of their current software that was limited to a 30 day trial period, so you can always try that out too.

Good Luck and I look forward to seeing that video.

Bret

I use Sony Vegas. Good program.

Al