i have a sony mini DV camera and i need to get a video off it for my youtube, but i can't seem to find out how to do it! it uses tapes so i thought that i have to play it while recording on my computer. someone please help!

Do you have windows sp2? If you do, then you should have Windows Movie Maker. To find out if you have it, you hit start->all programs->accessories->Windows movie maker. On the left side, i should say "Capture from video device". You will have to have the camera plugged into the computer via a USB or fire wire cable that came with the camera. The other steps should be given to you as you go on.