The idea of screencasting was very new to me. I had never heard about it, but have quite possibly seen one and never known it through one of my many Internet and video searches. To find more information on this topic, three sites with information on screencasting and three sites that provide the service, can be found below.

Informational Websites-

Smashing Magazine: This website provides a ton of information on the subject, and was extremely helpful on introducing me to screencasting. It explains what screencasting is and why and how you can use the software. After explaining the uses, this website gives a general step by step of how to prepare and give a screencast.

Screencast: This website gives an introduction to screencasting, the pros and cons of video versus pictures, a couple tutorials on how to use two different screencasting services, as well as techniques, tips, and tricks to produce the best screencast you possibly can. This site was very useful because it gave the user ideas of positive and negative aspects of creating a screencast.

idealware: While the format of this page is less appealing and seems a bit overwhelming, it makes up for its length and general appearance with the countless ideas and reasons to use screencasting for different projects you may come across. It also provides detailed information on creating a screencast and its purpose.

Screencasting Sites-

Camtasia: This program is for both Mac and PC users and provides an all around approach to enhance the screencasts you make for $229. While this seems expensive, this program provides enhanced techniques and quality to take your screencasts up to the next level.

Camstudio: This program allows the user to create screencasts for free. One of the best features of this program is that it allows the user to use his or her webcam to put themselves in the screencast unlike other free screencasting services.

ScreenToaster: While this website does not give any background information on screencasting, it provides a useful tutorial on how to start up your own account through ScreenToast and how to publish your newly made screencast. It is very user friendly and most importantly free! Another great feature of ScreenToast is that it shows all of the screencasts other people have made to become a type of screencast social network.