Camtasia Studio 4.0 is a graphics program that allows capture of screen activity on your computer's video monitor. You can also record from your webcam and import PowerPoint presentations. You can then record them to Flash, video or CDs.

This software is produced by Tech Smith (www.techsmith.com). It lists for $299.99 per copy, but I found it discounted to $179.95 plus shipping on more than one reputable Web site. The download size is 31.6 MB. Tech Smith has a 30-day, fully functional, free trial download available on their Web site. System and hardware requirements are Windows 2000, XP or later version, Microsoft DirectX 9 or later, 1.0 GHz processor or better (recommend 2.5 GHz), 500 MB RAM, 60 MB of hard drive space for the program, PowerPoint 2000, 2002, 2003 or later.

(I found a good external microphone for voice narration is necessary.)

I have not had very much experience using Camtasia Studio 4.0, but I have used an earlier version of the software and I find several improvements in the latest version :

1. You can now edit out background noise.
2. You are able to equalize volume levels and remove volume variations across the timeline.
3. You can now voice record and then edit recording delays, errors, etc. without having to redo the voice recording.
4. You can do voice narration as long as needed and the video frame will be extended as needed if that option is selected.

Other features in Camtasia Studio 4.0:

1. You can insert feedback with survey questions and there is an interactive quiz tool that can be added to the presentation.
2. Choose from a variety of playback bars, add callouts, annotations, text notes, highlights, draw on the screen, etc.
3. Produce multiple types of video to allow viewing on laptops, iPod, or any other portable media player.
4. You can record all or portions of the screen and capture the audio track of the video stream on your monitor, add voice narration as well as background music on separate audio tracks.

I am presently using Camtasia to record a video tutorial on how to use ICON's Web site for present and future members, to be given out on a video CD if I can keep the presentation within the space limits of the VCD.

I would personally recommend this software for your use, but be aware I have had limited experience with this software and none with other, similar software. I would also like to thank Tech Smith for the free evaluation copy of Camtasia Studio 4.0. They are one of the dwindling number of software companies that are still offering evaluation copies of their software to computer groups such as ours.