How do you record the action on a computer screen, like for making how-to videos?
Those live-action video clips showing the computer’s desktop, menus and files in motion are called screencasts. To take your own videos, you need a screencasting application. Programs like CamStudio are available free, while for about $800 you can buy Adobe Captivate, software aimed at education and training professionals. You can also record screencasts right in your browser on sites like ScreenCastle and Screencast-O-Matic.
When looking for screencasting software to suit your needs, read the program specifications. Some less-expensive options may not record sound along with the video or may limit recording time.
TechSmith has several screencasting programs for Windows on its site, most with free trial versions to download. Mac users can try out the $70 Snapz Pro X free for 15 days (or 100 uses). Copernicus is a free Mac OS X screencasting program, but it doesn’t record audio.
If none of those programs appeal to you, Wikipedia has a lengthy list of screencasting software for Windows, Mac OS and Linux systems. The Mashable site has it own roundup of free and commercial programs, too.
If you are just getting started, the ProCasts blog has tutorials on making screencasts.
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