Newbie: How do I convert mpg files for emailing?

[lrlt2000]

I've never had a Mac before, and only just figured out how to even view my mpg files on this! I downloaded VLC and that seems to work fine for my viewing the vids. But, now I cannot figure out how or what to convert them to so they are small enough to send through email or even upload to Photobucket. They are still too big to do either.

How can I convert to decrease size? Can I do this with VLC? If so, how!?

Thanks!