Screenshot it’s a digital recording of computer screens, full screens or screen regions and usually comes with audio narration to describe the actions on the screen. The term screencast dates back to 2004 with an interesting history.
In 2004, a columnist Jon Udell he invited his blog readers to propose names for the emerging genre. In all suggested terms, Udell selected screenshot, which was proposed by both Joseph McDonald and Deeje Cooley. Their “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 term screen has become known to more people and the use of screencasts has become more popular. Currently the new screencast trend is documentary making of software-based social networking services like Wikipedia, del.icio.us. or dig.
In this article
1.Types of screen transmission
2. Screen cast tools
3. Guidelines for making a screencast
Types of screenshots
1. Product Tutorials:
The screencast tells users how to use a software application or service by displaying on-screen introductions. There is usually a recorded voiceover to walk you through the steps.
Look at the examples to be continued.
Web crack in 10 minutes
[http://userportal.iha.dk/~02882/Whoppix-wepcrack.swf]
2. Brief procedure:
This type of screencast is usually short and shows a simple walkthrough or tips and tricks to solve a small problem or dig deeper into a product feature.
See example below
Better use of the Windows search function
http://weblog.infoworld.com/udell/2005/01/25.html#a1157
3. Conversational Demonstrations:
Conversational demos focus more on conversion than on screens. Usually there are two voices for the screen. Often one asks about the screen and another gives the answer.
4. Software revision:
If you are asked to write a software review, you can always do a screencast to highlight some features.
5. User Produced Demo:
Some software applications are difficult to use and sometimes you have some unexpected problems. Making a screencast to explain will help a lot when you talk to technical support. You can even do a troubleshooting demo to share with your friends and family.
Of course, there are more types that have not yet been included in this article.
Screen projection tools:
1. For Windows users
Windows Media Encoder – Free but with high 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 ProX
http://www.ambrosiasw.com/utilities/snapzprox/
Guidelines for making a screencast
1. Know what you want to present
First, you’ll need to have an idea of what you’ll be presenting, and you’ll need to figure out which platform to use. Knowing your purposes for making a screecast is the first to come.
2. Make it happen
Always to make a screencast in a real and substantial scene. For example, it is for a software demo or network monitor, then work with the software or live network.
Of course, for logistical or security reasons, this is not always possible. But the more real we can make it, the better.
3. Interactivity is important
The interactivity draws the viewers through the demo. If your screecast is screen by screen only, your viewers will be leaving soon. You can and I would say you should record the narration or insert background music into the screencast. Usually, some screencast tools like DemoCreator allow you to add some visual aids to the captured screens, such as callouts, shapes, annotation buttons, and animated images. Keep in mind that when a screencast is interactive, it will engage viewers in a conversation that will take them into unexpected areas.
