Linux distro suggested by Matthew are good, I'd like to report you few programs I use for video editing:
- Cinelerra: non linear video editing software, it has also some composing functions as well
- Kino: non linear video editing software, I prefer cinelerra but this one has a lot of interesting functions when you capture data from a Firewire device (like a video camera)
- avidemux: simple a simple cut and paste video editor, easy to use and useful for few limited tasks
- kdenlive: nice multitrack video editor

Ben

See, any Linux distro has same capability to do multimedia jobs. Depends on its repository / dependency that can match with the same version of Linux OS. So, distro selection is up to u. For related SW, u can use 64Studio that helps as serve as an all-in-one solution for audio and video recording, editing, and other forms of media production. An alternative installer is available for systems with 32-bit processors. Remember, it is Debian based. Other related SW is LiVES, Open Movie Editor Stopmotion, MPEG4IP, Avidemux. I am not recommending Ubuntu Studio, because it is basically works on Ubuntu OS. If u install it on another Linux OS, this is quiet difficult.