how do you transfer a video from mini dv to my computer?

if your mini-dv player has firewire output and your computer has firewire input mini-dv uses the dv format which is understood by most video editing programs. If you are using usb and a mac iMovie 08 should grab it easily enough. on a pc you'd probably have to install usb drivers and use the movie editing program that came with the camera unless you have something pretty high end. I'd suggest google for some video forums with your camera model.

First you need a firewire port on your pc. Then you need a video editing software. I use studio 10 from pinnacle systems. It's fairly easy to use, and does a good job. It makes a good end product too. I'm sure there are others that are just as good though.