March 2, 2009 9:57 AM PST

Application makes screen recording easy

by Larry Magid
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 1 comment
PALM DESERT, CALIF -- Programs like Camtasia Studio that let you record what you do on your PC (including motion and sound) have been around for awhile but Citrix Online, the company behind GoToMyPC, is simplifying the process of creating videos and bringing them to the web. I've only seen the onstage demo at Demo 09 and haven't worked with the program but, from what I saw, it does look like it's easier to use than other screen capture programs I've used.

GoView doesn't just capture still shots but entire screen sessions with optional voice narration and lets you quickly share the video with others via the web.

It can be used to create video documentation for software or, presumably, to make a video of a PowerPoint presentation or anything else that is displayed on a PC screen.

You start the process by clicking "record screen" from a small menu that appears in the task bar. Then you do whatever you need to do, such as navigating a spreadsheet or entering information in an expense report. While you're working you can narrate the process through a PC microphone and everything is recorded. When you're done, you click an icon to stop the recording.

The video is then automatically uploaded to a Citrix Online server. You can then do editing such as trimming off the beginning or end and adding titles throughout the video using tools that are very similar to what you'll find in standard video editing programs.

When you're done, the video remains on the server and lets you share it with others by clicking the share icon or pasting the video's URL into an email message.

Because there are other programs on the market that accomplish the same tasks this is not a game changing product but it does appear to make the process easier and, combined with Citrix Online's reputation for its other services, could help this company gain market share in this small but important niche market.

Larry Magid is a technology journalist and an Internet safety advocate. He's been writing and speaking about Internet safety since he wrote Internet safety guide "Child Safety on the Information Highway" in 1994. He is co-director of ConnectSafely.org, founder of SafeKids.com and SafeTeens.com, and a board member of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Larry's technology analysis and commentary can be heard on CBS News and CBS affiliates, and read on CBSNews.com. He also writes a personal-tech column for the San Jose Mercury News. You can e-mail Larry or follow him on Twitter @larrymagid.
Recent posts from Safe and Secure
More attacks expected on Facebook, Twitter in 2010
How to hide your Facebook friends list
13 more sites expel NY sex offenders
Facebook details new privacy settings
Youth using phones to harass and spy on partners
Study: 'Digital abuse' hits half of youth
Facebook and MySpace delete N.Y. sex offenders
Tips for safe online shopping
Add a Comment (Log in or register)
by amandagirl93 March 3, 2009 12:03 AM PST
My g'ma passed away last year. A few months before we were talking and trying to get her on the interwebs. This sounds like something that would've been invaluable here. Does it cost anything, because I can't tell.

I am totally into the Demo show this year so keep up the great work! Will be reading again tomorrow.
Reply to this comment
advertisement

15 sites that went kaput in 2009

Web sites launch all the time, but they also shut their doors. We highlight 15 that bit the dust this year.

Top 10 news stories of the decade

Let the debate begin: Was the iPhone more important than iTunes? Was anything bigger than Google finding a great business model? CNET offers its list of the 10 most important stories of the '00s.

About Safe and Secure

As founder of SafeKids.com and co-director of ConnectSafely.org, Larry Magid has a special interest in Internet safety, including debunking myths like a predator behind every screen and messages like "be afraid, very afraid."

Add this feed to your online news reader

Safe and Secure topics

More on Safe and Secure
Larry's For the Record podcast
Safekids.com
Connectsafely.org
advertisement

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right