How would you like to run a video rental store? For a movie lover, that would seem like a pretty entertaining job. If not just for seeing all the different movies passing in and out and seeing the movies when they first come out, then for talking to the customers and hearing what they think about the different films. Movie management on your home computer can be just as good, without having to work at a video store.

The first step is deciding that you want to apply some good principles of movie management. Are all your DVDs in one place? Good for you! If not gather the ones you can. And if that step seems a bit overwhelming, don't worry, you can skip it for now if you absolutely have to. You can start with the ones you can remember offhand (though gathering your DVDs and tidying up a little might not be a terrible idea).

Now, download some great movie management software. I know there are dozens of programs out there, but narrowing them down is very simple. First, forget any that aren't just for movies. That's generic listing and inventory software, and unless you plan on listing generic inventory, you don't want it, it doesn't matter how free it is.

So now that you've narrowed it down to programs that only handle movie management the list is much shorter, isn't it? Pick the ones that offer a free trial, so you can try before you buy. You don't have to do this, of course. You could just buy one. But in a couple of weeks when you figure out what a hassle it is you might have buyer's remorse.

Of all the programs with free trials, which offer message boards? This is key if you want that movie management and camaraderie experience of interacting with other movie lovers outside of a video store. Why this particular message board for this particular program?

If you buy the program (which if you try it and love it, you will) and you should have a problem, where better to get help that right at the developer's website message board? These people all have the same program!

If they're offering a message board, they're concerned about their customers. They want to know what people think, and they want people to use and enjoy their software. It's much less likely that anytime soon they'll stop updating and supporting something you plunked down hard-earned money for.

These people love movies and movie management enough to have purchased the same program. It's like a virtual movie lovers meeting place. Use it!

You've found all those things? Try the ones that fit into that category, and make sure you can add custom skins, labels, do custom sorting, add extra information as well as images. And when you're trying it out, make sure it adds movies with just a few clicks so you can get organized fast and get on to enjoying the other benefits of your movie management software.

We recommend All My Movies for your movie collection management.