I was just pointed to this resource by one of the readers of this blog (thanks Sean), as a Open Source option for streaming video on your site, or recording demonstrations (like I’ve done on this blog).  I use Camtasia Studio version 5 by TechSmith (www.techsmith.com), which is great software, but it has a cost-component to it.  CamStudio, listed below, is Open Source and although they request a donation (which I think is always a good idea if you use the software, to support further development), the product is Open Source.

Here’s a description of the product (from the site):

CamStudio is able to record all screen and audio activity on your computer and create industry-standard AVI video files and using its built-in SWF Producer can turn those AVIs into lean, mean, bandwidth-friendly Streaming Flash videos (SWFs)

Here are just a few ways you can use this software:

• You can use it to create demonstration videos for any software program
• Or how about creating a set of videos answering your most frequently asked questions?
• You can create video tutorials for school or college class
• You can use it to record a recurring problem with your computer so you can show technical support people
• You can use it to create video-based information products you can sell
• You can even use it to record new tricks and techniques you discover on your favourite software program, before you forget them

Here’s a link to the site and download: Click here

~Robert Shelton

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