The following question was sent in over the weekend:

“How to make a screen capture video.� [...] I am going to begin (very expensive) training on some new software for work. It would be great if I could record short videos on how to do specific tasks [for Windows].

The easiest method for creating a “Video Tutorial” on Windows is to use a small utility called Wink (Free Download). Wink allows the user to manually take screenshots, capture screenshots at timed intervals, or capture screenshots whenever the mouse or keyboard is activated. Wink then provides options to add notes and navigational options to each individual frame. Think of the program as a souped up version of Powerpoint.

There is a great PDF tutorial included with the download which explains how to get the software running. The software has a very easy learning curve. After a brisk review of the user guide I was able to create the following in about 5 minutes: How to navigate UNEASYsilence (.swf file). It’s just a small sample of what Wink can do for you. Note bubbles and buttons are all customizeable.

Sidenote: if you’re using a Windows theme other then the standard theme, disable the visual style for Wink before running. Custom visualstyles break some of the property buttons in Wink.