If you have a Windows 2000 or greater computer, all you have to do is plag in a sony camera, it should auto install the driver from pre-installed drivers in Windows, and recognize the camera. Sony Camera's do NOT require any of the programs bundled on the CD's, unless you're trying to transfer video from a Digital video tape to a computer.
Open up your Handycam's manual, and look for the "tranfers" section, and find the section on pictures. If its like mine, the pictures are saved to the Memory stick (mine has Digital Video tape & a Memory Stick Pro), I have to select "normal USB mode" on the camera BEFORE I plug it into the computer. Once "normal" mode is on, I can directly access it through windows explorer, I.E. Open 'My Computer' then celect the "drive" which is anywhere from F to H on this comuter, depending on USB port. I prefer this way as I hate "3rd party software" doing what I can do myself, much faster. HOWEVER Sony's Image Magic (I think thats the program that does it) can automaticaly transfer .jpg/.jpeg's on the memory to a specified location for you when you plug it in.
Anyways, in overview, check camera's internal download settings before you plug it in. USB streaming mode is for VIDEO download, normal is for images, or if you have it, .mpeg video.
PM my if you need more help (I ONLY own Sony camera's, five of them so far).
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