Sorry Pat, I just find it humorous that you're 17 and saying in your younger days :-)
Open Source isn't always the way to go, if it was, then HollyWood would be using open source video editing software instead of investing millions of dollars into video editing equiptment. (and software)
That being said, for ease of use, use Vegas Video. ULead Studio's is really easy to use as well. (and comes with most cameras) Adobe Premiere is an amazing software application as well, BUT, it's not the easiest to use.