I'm shooting a doentarty...and advice,suggestions, equipment, software?

I'm doing a doentary for college about leadership and I plan on using a regular video cam with tripod. Those who know about this stuff, is there anything you suggest doing or making sure I do? Whats the best cut, edit, burn software for movies or doentary editing. I would appreciate a software that has a lot of neat tricks for text, or transitioning from one shot to the next or you know. Thanks.