Screen Recording Tools

Amy AholaChad MagerBrad McneillDon Peterman

“A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration. Although the term screencast dates from 2004, products such as Lotus ScreenCam were used as early as 1994.[1][2] Early products produced large files and had limited editing features. More recent products support more compact file formats such as Adobe Flash and have more sophisticated editing features allowing changes in sequence, mouse movement, and audio.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screen_Recorder

Camtasia and Fraps

Camtasia Fraps

PriceFree 30 day trial –$299 for full version

Allows free recording up to 30 seconds.(adds a watermark) Can pay $37 to record as long as you like and takes away watermarks.Updates are free.

Screen Shots and Audio

Part or full screen shots available. Audio, you can draw a circle around the

Screenshots Yes, but only .bmp files (free)Other formats available with paid versionDoes record audio

Customer Reviews

Concern with the quality of the voiceGood technical supportThe “premier screen casting tool” - -PC World

Interface is ugly.Does what it is supposed to do.

Video FilesCan jump from one application to another without interrupting the video recording. You have the ability to record after editing.

Video files are uncompressed, which means the file sizes are huge. Does not support post recording editing.Maximum clip size is 4G. It splits files that are larger

System Requirements

Windows basedDirect X 9 or later , 1G RAM, 500 MB hard disk

Windows basedRequires Direct X or open GL

Long rendering times and excessive use of system resources.

Taxes your input/output versus your processor while recording

What is the Best Choice?