Suggestions on recording screencasts

Hi Art,

I work on a PC so my sources are all focused on that format.

I have found doing screencasts with Camtasia, very enjoyable..the only downside was the price (~$300).

However, I have actively sought out some open source and free screencast software:

http://www.camstudio.org/

http://www.unixuser.org/%7Eeuske/vnc2swf/

http://www.debugmode.com/wink/ (no audio)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/encoder/default.aspx

Here are a few other references and lists of screencast software:

http://www.loosewireblog.com/2006/06/directory_of_sc.html

http://labnol.blogspot.com/2005/05/screencasting-to-help-your-mom.html

http://www.myscreencast.com/forums/ - a place for discussion and answers

If you decide to do a lot of screencasts (or webinars where you provide access to your desktop), you may want to download one of these little program for writing on the screen, highlighting, etc. (Camtasia includes these tools but the cheaper programs may not)

virtual board - http://lightools.fredisland.net/index_virtualboard.htm

vbdoodle - http://www.hopkinsprogramming.net/software/vbdoodle/

Just a note...I work in an environment where file size is a concern so I've been thinking more lately about optimized screen presentations in a 'slide show' mode without the audio...so I'd like to encourage you to check out this link and some of the options there (from Alan Levine at the K12 Online Conference): http://cogdoghouse.wikispaces.com/web-slideshow

By the way, you are welcome to "mine" my 'screencast' furl links here: http://tinyurl.com/y9yypb

Hope this helps!

Sue