CamStudio

Pros

• Easy screen and audio recording
• Small file sizes
• Text and video annotation
• Includes a cursor visibility setting

Cons

• Installs suspicious extras
• Windows only

When computer users go in search of a top-notch screen recorder, they inevitably turn to the power of CamStudio. In fact, this comprehensive workspace archiver is capable of effectively capturing the edge-to-edge contents of any computer monitor. In plain English, the open-source program functions as a screen grabber, one that takes video screenshots, not the static pictures that convey a thin slice of information. Granted, a frozen screen capture is a handy item, but a user can do so much more with a video grab.

If a keen master computer hobbyist feels the need to create a video tutorial, perhaps one that explains a particularly tough software package, then CamStudio is the go-to solution. The tutorial composer loads the program interface, adjusts the open software window, and mouses over the red record button. After that big red button is activated, the software starts archiving all screen content and all microphone audio. Again, this logically arranged user interface favours amateur tutorial makers. After all, that single button press is all it takes to capture the footage. Remember, after the video recording process has been stopped, every on-screen operation and every word spoken by the instructor is now stored in a tiny file.

The video tutorial example represents a common application. However, CamStudio can also serve another role. Imagine a misbehaving computer, an error message that pops up for a fraction of a second. Use CamStudio to record the issue and slow down the playback until the error message becomes readable. Software tutorials, technical support issues and more, this video screen grabber is an essential tool, especially for those video tutorial types who have the patience, and the voice, to produce a cogently authored video clip. Incidentally, those clips record as AVI files, MP4 files, or as industry-standard flash type files. This particular feature has been intelligently incorporated to ensure a small memory footprint and a fast upload. Furthermore, those compact video files don't have to display a Windows desktop. That's right, by checking the Video Annotations submenu entry, as found under the Tools menu, a shrewd user forces CamStudio to perform as a Webcam. Technically, this facility is designed to enable a tutorial creator to insert a window-within-window video effect, but it can be repurposed so that the software performs as a standard webcam recorder.

There are several actions that should be carried out before CamStudio begins its work. First of all, the capture region must be configured. From the Region Menu, select Full Screen or Region. Alternatively, if a targeted window is to be archived, pick the Window entry. Other settings include an option for selecting cursor visibility, a feature for adding timestamps and annotations, and a handy PAUSE button. Primarily, though, the software succeeds because it's easy to operate.

Pros

• Easy screen and audio recording
• Small file sizes
• Text and video annotation
• Includes a cursor visibility setting

Cons

• Installs suspicious extras
• Windows only