ScreenCastle: extremely simple creation of web screencasts
The only thing that you need to be able to run ScreenCastle is a web browser and Java support. Yes, it as a Java application. Even though I am not a great fan of Java applications, I am ready to make an exception in this case. The simplicity of operation and the sufficient functionality are really worth it.
How to create a screencast using ScreenCastle
You don't really need to install anything to create a screencast using ScreenCastle. Just go to the screencastle.com address and click the red button. A small Java application will start. As soon as it is on, you can start making your own screencast.
ScreenCastle
At first you must determine the desktop area, in which the events will be recorded. ScreenCastle will offer you a window with a desktop view, where you will limit the borders of the desktop area using a black rectangle. After it is started, the web browser window will probably be in the desired area. Don't be afraid to minimize it, prepare a scene for recording and click the Refresh button in the ScreenCastle window. The preview will be updated and you will be able to adjust the size for recording.
ScreenCastle
Notice that ScreenCastle is also able to record sound using a connected microphone. A slight drawback is that the size of the recorded area must be determined manually, it is not possible just to select a certain desktop window.
When you are ready, press the OK, open the recorder button. A frame of the given dimensions will appear on the desktop and under it a button for starting the recording. Once you click it, the recording starts. When you are finished, stop the recording. ScreenCastle will ask you if you want to play the screencast or upload it to the web. Uploading takes a while and there is no progress indicator, which is quite a drawback.
ScreenCastle
As soon as the upload is finished, ScreenCastle will display a page with the list of different codes allowing you to insert the created screencast into any web page. Most frequently you will probably use the typical embed, you can also use the BB codes. An example follows:
What I like about ScreenCastle is its interesting idea and the simplicity of its use. Without any problems you just record your screencast, the program uploads it to the web without the need for complicated settings and you can then easily insert it into your page using the embed mark. What else is there to wish for, especially if it is free?