Want to create screencasts of HTML-Kit and other software?

1. Install screen capturing software. In this case we'll use CamStudio.
    
   • Create a folder for CamStudio. In this example, we'll use C:\CamStudio as the installation folder.
   • Open http://camstudio.org/dev/
   • Download CamStudio.2.5.b1.bin.zip and unzip it to the installation folder (C:\CamStudio).
   • Create a shortcut for Recorder.exe
   • Open Recorder.exe and configure its settings:
     • Under "Region | Fixed Region" set the default width and height to 640 * 360.
     • Under "Options | Cursor Options" check "Highlight cursor" and "Enable Visual Click Feedback." It's preferable to use green for left click color and red for right click color.
     • Check "Options | Enable autopan."
   • For a list of shortcut keys that you can use to start and stop recording, select "Options | Keyboard Shortcuts"
   • Close CamStudio to make sure that all the settings are saved.
    
2. Lights... camera... action!
    
   • Open HTML-Kit and get it ready for recording. It's best to have a clear background/wallpaper but this is up to you.
   • Open CamStudio and minimize the window so that it won't get in the screen shots.
   • When you're ready, press F8 to start recording. When you see the recording rectangle, move the cursor to cover the starting area in HTML-Kit. It's okay if it doesn't cover all of what you want to include. The window will move to cover the mouse pointer. Click the left mouse button once to get started.
   • Now, use HTML-Kit as usual and go through the function or the procedure that you want to include in the video. Try to use the mouse to select menus and to click on buttons, instead of using keyboard shortcuts, so that it'd be easier to see what's happening on the screen. Pause after each action so that the viewer won't miss what you're doing.
   • When you're ready to complete the recording, press F9. This is the default key for stopping the current recording. Enter a file name when prompted and replay your recording. The first recording may not look the best, so don't be discoraged if you have to record it again. When you re-record, it maybe easier to restart HTML-Kit to make sure that there aren't any left over files or windows from the previous recording.
    
3. Share it.
    

   When you're happy with the recording, you can share it with HTML-Kit users. If you'd like, you can share your website address as well so that you'll get a link back if your video is posted on the HTML-Kit site with your permission. It's difficult to get everything to look perfect so as long as your viewers get your point, it should be a good recording. You can make recordings for plugins (how to install or use them), about how to use certain features, or to show a snapshot of how you use HTML-Kit to create your sites.

    

   Anyone up for a contest?