Open Question: hi guys! i need some advice on making videos!?

so I wanna start making some vids for youtube...........but i have a delimna.............i dont know how..... =(
what software should I use? Windows Movie Maker?
Can you suggest a safe free one I should use? Is there a software that is safe and I can download for free online?

Can I tape vids with a digital camera and will it still look professional?
what kind of equipment do i need to make it look professional like dave days' vids and winterspringpro or venetian princess???

any stuff that i didnt think about asking for making vids would be ULTRA helpful.....
thanks a million guys!
xoxo!!