If you use the Firewire /DVi socket to couple into your PC then you dont need any software other than Windows movie maker (built in as standard) or some of the variety of other software available if more ambitious editing / titling etc is required, the older "Nero6" being particularly good, but any software with a "video capture" facility is suffice, which of course Windows movie maker has. The DVi cable will be 4 pin at camcorder end and usually 6pin at the other end, this suiting desktop PC,s.