How to Make a Screencast

Screencast is a digital recording of computer screens, full screens or screen regions and usually comes with an audio narration to describe actions on the screen. The term screencast dates back to 2004 with an interesting history.

In 2004, columnist Jon Udell invited readers of his blog to propose names for the emerging genre. In all the terms proposed, Udell selected screencast, which has been proposed is to McDonald Joseph and Deeje Cooley. His "Heavy metal umlaut" screencast is a well known example - which explains how Wikipedia works.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/udell/gems/umlaut.html

Since then, the screen period is to be known by people more and the use of screencasts has itself become more popular. Currently the new trend of screencast is documentary based software social networking services like Wikipedia, del.icio.us. or digg.

In this article

Types 1.Screencast

2.Screencasting Tools

3.Guide lines to make a screencast

Types Screencast

1.Product Tutorial:

The screencast tells users how to use a software application or service, showing on-screen presentations. Usually, there is a recorded voice than to walk through the steps.
See the examples below.

Cracking WEB in 10 minutes

[Http :/ / userportal.iha.dk / ~ 02882/Whoppix-wepcrack.swf]

2.Short How-to:

This screencast is usually short and often demonstrate a simple guide and gives tips and tricks to solve a small problem or dig into a product feature.

See the example below:

Best use of Search Feature Window 's

http://weblog.infoworld.com/udell/2005/01/25.html ~ ~ V # a1157

Demos 3.Conversational:

Demo of conversation has more attention for the conversion, rather than screens. Usually, there are two entries for the screen. Often we are asked a question about the screen and another gives the answer.

4.Software Review:

If you are asked to write a review of the software, you can always make a screencast to highlight certain features.

5.User product demo:

Some software applications are difficult to use and sometimes some unexpected problems. Making a screencast to explain will help a lot when it comes to technical support. You can even make troubleshooting demo to share with your friends and family.

Of course, there are more types is not yet included in this article.

Tools: Screencasting

1.For Windows users

Windows Media Encoder - Free, but with low system requirements

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Windows_Media_Encoder

Wondershare DemoCreator - Flash-based Screen Recorder

http://www.sameshow.com/demo-creator.html

2.For Mac Users

Snapz Pro X

http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/ ~ ~ V

Guidelines make a screencast

1. Know what you want to present

First, you must have an idea of ​​what we present to you, and you'll need to figure out which platform to use. Knowing your purpose is to make a screecast the first to come.

2. Make it real

Also on stage to do a screencast real and substantial. For example, for the demonstration software or a network monitor, then work with the software or live network.

Obviously, for reasons of logistics or security, this is not always possible. But the more real we can do better.

3. Interactivity is important

Interactivity engages the audience through the demo. If your screen is only screecast screen, viewers will soon leave. It is possible and I would say you should record the narration or background music add to the screencast. Usually, a few screencasting tools like DemoCreator allow you to add some visual aids for screen captures as callouts, shapes, buttons, annotation, and animated images. Note that when a screencast is interactive and involve the audience in a conversation that goes in unexpected areas .......