4 Best Free Linux Plain Text Screencasting Tools
The vast majority of computer users depend on
a graphical user interface, and fear the command line. However, the
command line holds significant power and versatility. Commands issued
from a shell offer system administrators a quick and easy way to
update, configure and repair a system. The benefits of the command line
are not only confined to system administration. The ability to
transverse the file system quickly, give more information about files
and directories, automate tasks, bring together the power
of multiple console tools in a single command line, and run shell
scripts are just a few examples of how the command line can offer a
potent, multifarious toolbox.
A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output,
often carrying audio narration. Screencasting software takes a
series of screenshots of a running application, recording the user's
actions, and creating a video file. This type of software was
brought into prominence by the commercial Windows application Lotus
ScreenCam in 1994. The vast majority of screencasting tools
capture a graphical environment. However, here we will examine
tools that capture the command line.
Screencasts have a wide variety of uses. This type of software
is often deployed to describe software projects, report bugs, and
for evaluating technical skills. Plain text screencasting lets you
explain and perform commands at the same time, simultaneously offering
a tutorial and showcase. Further, plain text screencasting uses less
bandwidth than flash video, and provides a powerful educational tool.
As broadband has become mainstream and video-sharing
websites are ten a penny, this has encouraged the development of a wide
selection of free and open source screencasting tools.
In the field of plain text screencasting, there are two web services
that stand out. Playterm and Shelr both allow you to embed terminal
recordings online.
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is
available, we have compiled a list of 4 useful Linux
plain text screencasting tools. All of these tools are released under a
freely distributable license.
So let's explore the 4 screencasting tools at hand. For
each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full
description with an in-depth analysis of its features, a screenshot,
together with links to relevant resources and reviews. Start recording
activities today!
| Plain Text Screencasting Tools |
| Shelr |
Broadcast plain text screencasts |
| ttyrec |
Terminal
recorder, incudes a playback tool |
| IPBT |
High-tec terminal player |
| termrec |
Set
of tools for recording and replaying tty sessions |
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Last Updated Thursday, July 05 2012 @ 02:07 PM EDT
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