How to record Screen Video and Streaming Audio of your PC easily.

Today in daily life and work, the PC is very popular and we often find it important to capture our PC screen and save as a video file. If you are a developer, you will probably want to create some video examples or demos for your own application. If you are a software support manager, it may be a good idea to record a video demonstrating a solution of the client’s problem instead of exchanging dozens of emails. When you have a internet video call, you may want to save the video and audio of your friend and family. On these occasions, you need a powerful screen recorder to help you accomplish all kinds of tasks.
Camersoft Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use and professional screen video recording software. You can use this screen capture software to record full screen or any area of the desktop screen. And you can record all audio and mouse cursor's movement. It can be used to record the video call of AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, etc. or record movies from TV card or live streaming video, record DVD, RM, VCD, MPEG, or other video medias, make slide-show training documents. Below I will show you several typical cases of using the recorder to record video and audio.   
Part I: Download and install the software.

You could free download setup file of Camersoft Screen Recorder from the official website:

http://www.camersoft.com/screen-recorder.html
and execute it to install on your PC. Then you could startup the screen recorder and see the main UI like below:

The recorder provides 3 mode (three button for different mode)for you to record full screen or a part of the screen. And in the following step you could see the difference of them. The most important feature of Camersoft Screen Recorder is that it could record all the audio of your PC during the screen recording, not only the microphone, but the speaker output.  And please note that to ensure recording audio successfully, please launch the recorder first and startup the program you plan to record.
Part II: Record any content on your screen with this super recorder:
1.Record the full screen:
this mode is often used to make a demo or tutorials of a software. Start the recorder and just click the “full screen” button to begin recording，you could see the time elapsed showed on the bottom of the main UI. Then you could make the demo and the recorder could save all your operations.  When you end the demo, click the “stop” button to finish recording. So this recorder could work as demo creator to help you make a tutorial easily on your desktop.
2.Record a video call of IM tools:
MSN, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, etc..
To record the IM chat video, please make sure to start the recorder first and then startup the MSN and begin video call with your friend. Click “fixed screen” button to begin to record, your mouse will become a frame; Put this frame to the video window you want to record and click mouse, you could see the recording beginning. After a while, click “stop” button and the recording will complete. With similar method, you could save your video chat with any IM tools, including Skype recording, Yahoo Messenger recording, AIM recording, etc..

3.Record online video on internet or from video player on your PC.
For example, you could use the screen recorder to capture and save YouTube video when you view it with IE or other browser.  When you want to record your favorite video, just click the “custom region” button, and use the mouse to draw the rectangle on the video region, the recording will start. Actually, with this powerful desktop recorder, you could easily record any video or audio on your PC.

Part III：Play or handle the video after recording.
The recorder will save video into AVI files automatically. After stop recording, the file will displayed in the list. You could double click the file name to play it with the Windows Media Player. And you could also click the “Open Folder” button to find out the recorded files in the folder and play them with other player software. The default folder to save the files  is: C:\CamersoftOutput. You can click the "Change Folder" button to set another directory as default.

Now you could see that Camersoft Screen Recorder could help greatly to record anything we see on the computer screen, including the entire desktop, windows, menus, cursor seven video with sound. Demonstrate a product, create a presentation with our own audio narration, make a tutorial, or walk through a web site review. For more details, you could visit Camersoft Studio official website: http://www.camersoft.com to get the information of other products.

How to capture and record webcam video and add effects to webcam image

Do you want to record your happy time or replay some of your favorite moments, but you don’t have DV or VCR. Don’t worry. Recently, I found a perfect software tool to record webcam video. In this article I would introduce Camersoft Webcam Recorder, which could help you capture webcam video and save as standard AVI video files which you could replay whenever you want. This webcam recorder works just like a VCR and only need a webcam (including internal camera, USB webcam, or other cam devices) connected to your PC. Meanwhile, this software could support windows 7/ Vista/XP/2000/2003/NT etc. It could also enable you to change your webcam effect, add more effects to your webcam during video recording.

Firstly, please make sure you have a webcam device, and you could free download the setup file of Camersoft Webcam Recorder from the official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/downloads/camersoft-webcam-recorder.exe
And run it to install the recorder on your PC.

Then start up Camersoft Webcam Recorder and you could see below main UI:

 

Main features and functions of this webcam recorder:
1. Easily select webcam source:
The first button on the top tool bar is for you to select a webcam source if you have 2 or more webcam devices on your PC. This is very useful if you using a laptop which has an internal cam and an external USB webcam device. You could click this button to switch to another webcam at anytime you want.

2. Record webcam video and microphone audio:
It is very easy to start recording webcam movie, and the webcam recorder can record audio from your microphone automatically also. When you want to record, click “Record” button to start recording and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time. After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded video file displayed in the list. After recording, you could play the files with your video player software, like Windows Media Player, VLC, or other player installed on your PC. Just double-click the filename in the list to play it. Click the “Open folder” button you could find the video files there. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded videos, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.

3. Take a webcam Snapshot
If you like the current image when preview video, you can use the “Snapshot” option. Just click the “Snapshot” button, the current webcam image will be saved as BMP picture files in the same folder of the recorded video files.

4. Advanced: add interesting effects and doodling on the webcam image
Compared with other webcam recorder tools, Camersoft Webcam Recorder provides an interesting function for you and enable you change your webcam image appearance or add some special effects on the image. On the left of the main UI is the Categories List and the Effects List, first click one category and all the effects of this group will displayed in the Effects list, and just click one effect picture it could show on the current webcam image. You could also move the animation or object freely or change its size. For example:

“Animations”: with this category, you could add some animations on the webcam image, such as: a dog, a cat, a butterfly and so on.
“Scenes”: If you select a scene effect, you could find that it seems to put you into a new environment, really very interesting.
“Distortions”: make your image fatter, thinner, and more…
“Faces”: when you add a face effect, the software could detect your face automatically and add the effect on it, when you move your head, the effect also moves with it.
“Paint”: You could even paint a picture or write some words on your webcam during a video call. Click the “Paint” button to switch to doodling mode and you could draw freely on the active picture.

Ok, this is a simple guide and introduction of this fantastic webcam capture and record software.

Actually, there are more features for you to experience and surely you would like it. If you have any questions and advices, please visit the Camersoft Studio website: http://www.camersoft.com/ and feel free to contact us via the e-mail address: support@camersoft.com. We will reply as soon as possible.

How to use Fake/Virtual webcam to enjoy more interesting IM video chat with MSN, Skype, AIM, etc

Recently, most popular IM software such as MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AIM Messenger, etc. support real time video chat. But if you don’t have a camera, or you want to make your webcam image more interesting, you may try fake webcam or virtual webcam. Fake webcam works just like a real webcam and could support most IM tools like Live Messenger, Skype, ICQ, AIM, etc.
Camersoft Fake Webcam is a professional virtual webcam software, which could not only enable you to share photos or play movies on your web cam, but also could change your webcam appearance, add more effects to your web cam during video chatting. In addition, it could capture webcam video and save as AVI, so you could record the video on your PC. If you already have a webcam, you can use it as origin image source or change the image to show it. It can be installed on most Windows OS, such as: Windows XP, Windows 7, Vista and Windows NT/2000/2003.
In this article, I would show you how to use the fake webcam to enjoy your video chatting with more magical webcam effects.
Part 1: How to install the fake webcam and set it to work.
You may free download the setup file on Camersoft Studio Official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/fake-webcam.html
And run the setup to complete the installation. We suggest you to exit your IM software such as Skype and MSN first to ensure the installation successfully. The setup program could set the default webcam to Camersoft Fake Webcam automatically for MSN and Skype. Then start your IM, for example Skype, you could see that the webcam image is a still picture. Now you need startup the fake webcam software, and you could see your webcam image displayed. When you have a video call with your friends, the fake webcam image will be showed to your friends. The difference So in this way, the fake webcam works as a virtual webcam, enable you to change or edit the image or video you want to show to your friends.
Part 2: Main features:
1. Webcam Recorder and Snapshot

This fake webcam tool could work as webcam capture and webcam video recorder.
Click “Record” button to start recording and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time. After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded video file displayed in the list.
After recording, you could replay the video files with your video player software, like Windows Media Player or other players installed on your PC. Click the “Open folder” button to find the video files. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded videos, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.
Tips: If you like the current image when preview video, you can use the “Snapshot” option. Just click the “Snapshot” button, the current webcam image will be saved as BMP files in the same folder of the recorded video files.

2. Play video to webcam and set picture to webcam.

Camersoft Fake Webcam supports different video or image sources to show on your webcam.
The first three buttons are for you to select an image source: you could select a real webcam device or play a video as your webcam image during the video call and it supports most video formats such as AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV, etc. Also, you could just set a picture such as one photo to show to your friends on the webcam.
3. Add various interesting effects to webcam and doodling on the image.
Compared with other virtual webcam tools, Camersoft Fake Webcam provides an unique feature and enable you change your webcam image appearance or add some interesting and active effects to webcam image. On the left of the main UI is the Categories and Effects List, first click one category and all the effects of this group will displayed in the Effects list, and just click one effect picture it could show on the current webcam image. For example:
“Animations”: you could add some animations on the webcam image, such as a dog, a cat, a butterfly and so on.
“Scenes”: If you select a scene effect, you could find that it seems to put you into a new
environment, really very interesting.
“Distortions”: make your image fatter, thinner, and more…
“Faces”: this is most fantastic; it could detect your face automatically and add the effect on
your image, all will be showed to your chat partner.

If you want to delete some effects, you may select one and click “Delete” button or Click “Clear All” button to clear all of effects.
Doodling:
Click the “Palette” button to doodle on the webcam and you could select the paint color and paint brush as you want.
Now you could see that this fake webcam is really fantastic, also, there are more functions and features are not presented in this article, you could download and try it for totally free.If you have any function issue, feature request or suggestion, please visit the Camersoft Studio website: http://www.camersoft.com/, and feel free to send e-mail address: support@camersoft.com. We will reply as soon as possible.

How to use Fake/Virtual webcam to enjoy more interesting IM video chat with MSN, Skype, AIM, etc

Recently, most popular IM software such as MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AIM Messenger, etc. support real time video chat. But if you don’t have a camera, or you want to make your webcam image more interesting, you may try fake webcam or virtual webcam. Fake webcam works just like a real webcam and could support most IM tools like Live Messenger, Skype, ICQ, AIM, etc.
Camersoft Fake Webcam is a professional virtual webcam software, which could not only enable you to share photos or play movies on your web cam, but also could change your webcam appearance, add more effects to your web cam during video chatting. In addition, it could capture webcam video and save as AVI, so you could record the video on your PC. If you already have a webcam, you can use it as origin image source or change the image to show it. It can be installed on most Windows OS, such as: Windows XP, Windows 7, Vista and Windows NT/2000/2003.
In this article, I would show you how to use the fake webcam to enjoy your video chatting with more magical webcam effects.

Part 1: How to install the fake webcam and set it to work.
You may free download the setup file on Camersoft Studio Official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/fake-webcam.html
And run the setup to complete the installation. We suggest you to exit your IM software such as Skype and MSN first to ensure the installation successfully. The setup program could set the default webcam to Camersoft Fake Webcam automatically for MSN and Skype. Then start your IM, for example Skype, you could see that the webcam image is a still picture. Now you need startup the fake webcam software, and you could see your webcam image displayed. When you have a video call with your friends, the fake webcam image will be showed to your friends. The difference So in this way, the fake webcam works as a virtual webcam, enable you to change or edit the image or video you want to show to your friends.
Part 2: Main features:
1. Webcam Recorder and Snapshot

This fake webcam tool could work as webcam capture and webcam video recorder.
Click “Record” button to start recording and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time. After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded video file displayed in the list.
After recording, you could replay the video files with your video player software, like Windows Media Player or other players installed on your PC. Click the “Open folder” button to find the video files. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded videos, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.
Tips: If you like the current image when preview video, you can use the “Snapshot” option. Just click the “Snapshot” button, the current webcam image will be saved as BMP files in the same folder of the recorded video files.

2. Play video to webcam and set picture to webcam.

Camersoft Fake Webcam supports different video or image sources to show on your webcam.
The first three buttons are for you to select an image source: you could select a real webcam device or play a video as your webcam image during the video call and it supports most video formats such as AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV, etc. Also, you could just set a picture such as one photo to show to your friends on the webcam.

3. Add various interesting effects to webcam and doodling on the image.
Compared with other virtual webcam tools, Camersoft Fake Webcam provides an unique feature and enable you change your webcam image appearance or add some interesting and active effects to webcam image. On the left of the main UI is the Categories and Effects List, first click one category and all the effects of this group will displayed in the Effects list, and just click one effect picture it could show on the current webcam image. For example:
“Animations”: you could add some animations on the webcam image, such as a dog, a cat, a butterfly and so on.
“Scenes”: If you select a scene effect, you could find that it seems to put you into a new
environment, really very interesting.
“Distortions”: make your image fatter, thinner, and more…
“Faces”: this is most fantastic; it could detect your face automatically and add the effect on
your image, all will be showed to your chat partner.

If you want to delete some effects, you may select one and click “Delete” button or Click “Clear All” button to clear all of effects.
Doodling:
Click the “Palette” button to doodle on the webcam and you could select the paint color and paint brush as you want.

Now you could see that this fake webcam is really fantastic, also, there are more functions and features are not presented in this article, you could download and try it for totally free.If you have any function issue, feature request or suggestion, please visit the Camersoft Studio website: http://www.camersoft.com/, and feel free to send e-mail address: support@camersoft.com. We will reply as soon as possible.

How to capture and record any audio of PC sound card with a best MP3 recorder

There are various occasions upon which we want to record the sound from a PC. For example, here are thousands of popular radio stations over the internet, you could enjoy free radio program including music, talk, news, sports, comedy and more. You may wonder how to record or a song that’s being streamed across the Internet onto your computer. And when you use popular Instant Messenger tools to talk with your family or friends, you may want very much to record the conversation audio and save on your PC.
There are many recorder software tools, but almost all of them could only record the microphone, just like the Windows recorder and could not help you to record from many other audio sources. In this article, I will introduce an excellent sound recorder which could capture and save all sound of your PC into MP3 files. Camersoft Audio Recorder is powerful and professional sound recording tool, which could record all audio source of your PC, including microphone, Media Player, online streaming audio, MSN voice chat, Skype video call, and many other different IM. It could support Windows XP, Windows Vista, and new Windows 7 also. The most specific feature of Camersoft Audio Recorder is that it could record all sound with perfect quality. Actually, this voice and music recorder could record from sound card device directly without any loss of audio quality, so you could use it as Sound Card Recorder. In addition, the perfect recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed for you to compete your recording. Below is a simple user guide which you could follow easily to record any sound you need.

Part one: How to download and install Camersoft Audio Recorder rightly?
We suggest you to download this wonderful software from Camersoft Studio official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/audio-recorder.html
And run the setup to install it on your PC or laptop. If you are using Windows 7 or Vista OS, the installation process would be a little different from Windows XP. We suggest you to follow below sample to install it successfully.

The first Case:
These belong to “User Account Control” question. You may select “Allow – I trust this program. I know where it’s from or I’ve used it before.”
Similar tooltips will appear several times, you may select “Allow” for all.
The second case:
This tips for your installing drive, you may select “Install this driver software anyway”.
Other cases, you may select the default setting as same as the Windows XP users in the installation process.

Part Two: How to use Camersoft Audio Recorder to record audio.
For example, you want to record your MSN chat during the video or audio call.
Please make sure to startup Camersoft Audio Recorder first and then start your MSN call.
Tips: With the trial version, the audio will be added with some noise. After testing or trying the recording, you could exit the audio recorder then the noise would be disappearing. You could purchase the software and register with your license code, the noise would disappear.

Now Click “Record” button to start recording audio and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time.
Tips: If you don’t want to mix microphone sound during recording process, you may uncheck the check box before “Record microphone sound”. It indicates that the audio recorder only record the audio played by the sound card in such case.
After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded audio file displayed in the list.
At last, after recording, you could play the files with your audio player software, like Windows Media Player or other players installed on your PC. Click the “Open folder” button you could find the audio files. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded audio, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.

Camersoft Audio Recorder can also help you to record the audio played by Windows Media Player and other Music or Video player software. It also works as Skype Recorder, MSN Recorder, Yahoo Messenger Recorder, etc. If you have any problem with the usage of this super mp3 recorder or suggestion, please visit the Camersoft Studio homepage: http://www.camersoft.com/, or send mail to the support: support@camersoft.com.

How to use Fake/Virtual webcam to enjoy more interesting IM video chat with MSN, Skype, AIM, etc

Recently, most popular IM software such as MSN Messenger, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, AIM Messenger, etc. support real time video chat. But if you don’t have a camera, or you want to make your webcam image more interesting, you may try fake webcam or virtual webcam. Fake webcam works just like a real webcam and could support most IM tools like Live Messenger, Skype, ICQ, etc..
Camersoft Fake Webcam is a professional virtual webcam software. It could not only enable you to share some pictures or play movies on your web cam, but also could change your webcam effects, add more effects to your web cam during video chatting. In addition, it could capture webcam video and save as AVI, so you could record the video on your PC. If you already have a webcam, you can use it too. It can be installed on Windows system, such as: windows 7, windows XP, windows NT/2000/2003.
In this article, I would show you how to use the fake webcam to enjoy your video chatting with more magical webcam effects.

Part 1 You may free download the setup file on Camersoft Studio official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/fake-webcam.html
And run the setup to complete the installation. We suggest you to exit your IM software before install. After installation, you need to change your IM webcam settings to set the fake webcam work. as current working webcam device.

Select webcam device in Skype:
Please restart your Skype firstly and Click “Tools” menu on the top of UI and select “Options”.
Then, Select: Video Setting ->Set up your webcam. You could see several webcam options in the list, also the real webcam is included. Please select “Camersoft Fake Webcam” and Click “Save” button. Now, you can use the virtual webcam as your webcam device during your Skype Video chat.

Select webcam device in MSN, Windows Live Messenger:
It is similar to Skype, open “Tool” menu and select “Set up Audio and Video” option.
And select “Camersoft Fake Webcam”. Then click “Finish” button. Now you could use Fake Webcam to add many of fantastic effects to webcam during your MSN Video Chat.

Part 2: What Camersoft Fake Webcam could do for you?
Please startup the software and the Main UI is like below:

Then main functions of Camersoft Fake Webcam:
Select different image source:
The first three buttons are for you to select an image source; you could select a real webcam device or play a video to webcam image during the video call. It support most video formats such as AVI, MP4, WMV, MOV, etc. Also, you could just set a picture to show to your friends on the webcam.

Webcam Recorder:
This fake webcam tool also provides the webcam capture and webcam recorder functions.
Click “Record” button to start recording and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time. After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded video file displayed in the list.
After recording, you could replay the video files with your video player software, like Windows Media Player or other players installed on your PC. Click the “Open folder” button you could find the video files. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded videos, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.
Tips: If you like the current image when preview video, you can use the “Snapshot” option. Just click the “Snapshot” button, the current webcam image will be saved as BMP files in the same folder of the recorded video files.

Advanced functions: add interesting effects to your webcam:
Compared with other fake webcam tools, Camersoft Fake Webcam provides an interesting function for you and enable you change your webcam image appearance or add some special effects on the image. On the left of the main UI is the Categories List and the Effects list, first click one category and all the effects of this group will displayed in the Effects list, and just click one effect picture it could show on the current webcam image. For example:

“Animations”: you could add some animations on the webcam image, such as
a dog, a cat, a butterfly and so on.
“Scenes”: If you select a scene effect, you could find that it seems to put you into a new environment, really very interesting.
“Distortions”: make your image fatter, thinner, and more…
“Faces”: this is most fantastic; it could detect your face automatically and add the effect on your image, all will be showed to your chat partner.

If you want to delete some effects, you may select one and click “Delete” button or Click “Clear All” button to clear all of effects.

Click the “Paint” button and you could doodle on the webcam freely.

If you have any issue, feature request or suggestion, please visit the Camersoft Studio website: http://www.camersoft.com/, and feel free to contact us via the e-mail address: support@camersoft.com. We will reply as soon as possible.

How to capture and record webcam video and add effects to webcam image

Do you want to record your happy time or replay some of your favorite moments, but you don’t have DV or VCR. Don’t worry. Recently, I found a perfect software tool to record webcam video. In this article I would introduce Camersoft Webcam Recorder, which could help you capture webcam video and save as standard AVI video files which you could replay whenever you want. This webcam recorder works just like a VCR and only need a webcam (including internal camera, USB webcam, or other cam devices) connected to your PC. Meanwhile, this software could support windows 7/ Vista/XP/2000/2003/NT etc. It could also enable you to change your webcam effect, add more effects to your webcam during video recording.

Firstly, please make sure you have installed the webcam on your PC.

You could free download the setup file of Camersoft Webcam Recorder from the official website: http://www.camersoft.com/downloads/camersoft-webcam-recorder.exe
And install it on your PC.

Then start up Camersoft Webcam Recorder and the main UI is below:

Select Webcam Source:
The first button on the tool bar is for you to select a webcam source if you have 2 or more webcam devices on your PC.

Record a video:
Now click “Record” button to start recording and the black box on the bottom of UI will show the recorded time. After a while, click “Stop” button and you could see the recorded video file displayed in the list. After recording, you could play the files with your video player software, like

Windows Media Player or other players installed on your PC. Click the “Open folder” button you could find the video files. And if you want to set another folder to save the recorded videos, just click the “Change Folder” button and select a new directory you want.

"Snapshot" function.
If you like the current image when preview video, you can use the “Snapshot” option. Just click the “Snapshot” button, the current webcam image will be saved as BMP files in the same folder of the recorded video files.

Advanced functions: add interesting effects to your webcam:
Compared with other webcam recorder tools, Camersoft Webcam Recorder provides an interesting function for you and enable you change your webcam image appearance or add some special effects on the image. On the left of the main UI is the Categories List and the Effects list, first click one category and all the effects of this group will displayed in the Effects list, and just click one effect picture it could show on the current webcam image. For example:
“Animations”: with this category, you could add some animations on the webcam image, such as a dog, a cat, a butterfly and so on.

“Scenes”: If you select a scene effect, you could find that it seems to put you into a new environment, really very interesting.

“Distortions”: make your image fatter, thinner, and more…

“Faces”: this is most fantastic, it could detect your face automatically and add the effect on it, when you move your head, the effect also move with it, try it now!
“Paint”: Click the “Paint” button and you could doodle on the webcam freely.

Ok, this is the all process of using this software. If you have any issue, feature request or suggestion, please visit the Camersoft Studio website: http://www.camersoft.com/,  and feel free to contact us via the e-mail address: support@camersoft.com. We will reply as soon as possible.

Review Skype new version and how to record Skype video call

Now Skype has been very popular, more and more people like to use it as a phone call software or just IM tools, like Windows Live Messenger or other IMs. Actually, Skype is very good free software for calling other people on their computers or phones. The calls have excellent sound quality and are highly secure with end-to-end encryption. You don't even need to configure your firewall or router or any other networking gear.Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms like a charm.

Though Skype is very powerful, it is still in updating and providing more features and functions to us. In 2009, Skype released version 4.1, which is really an important upgrade. Maybe you are still using an old version such as 3.8 or so, that does not matter at all. In this article I would like give a simple review of the new version 4.1 and even some new features of the 4.2 Beta version, and also introduce a very useful Skype Video Recorder software which could record the video and audio when you are in a Skype video call.

. Screen Sharing

The 4.1 version incorporates various enchanting features, highly beneficial for the end users. As you already know Skype is a Voice over IP service, which provides efficient chatting, and communication techniques. The latest version of Skype that is 4.1 beta has incorporated the facility of screen sharing into chatting. Even though such technologies already exist as various remote access tools like Cross Loop and all, this service is not popular among the common people. In this context Skype’s new feature is highly appreciable.

Skype's screen-sharing feature is a clever addition to the VoIP communications application. In our tests it was engaging, especially when paired with Skype's voice calling and chatting capabilities. The fair screen quality and few seconds of lag time won't bother most casual users, but at this point we wouldn't recommend Skype's new feature for replacing a dedicated screen-sharing application or service for frequent collaborators. Skype's screen sharing is view-only; it is not a remote access tool like CrossLoop, which is geared for providing technical assistance. For demonstration purposes, however, Skype's screen sharing is just one more way to connect with faraway contacts.

Screen sharing begins by clicking the "share" drop-down on a contact screen and choosing "Share your screen". Skype then gives you the choice to record the full screen or a region. Pressing the button to initiate the screen share also launches an audio call. You can later resize by clicking and dragging the thick red borders. During a session, a button toggles you between full and partial screen modes. Because screen sharing essentially broadcasts a video recording of your screen to your contact, you can't place a video call and share the screen at the same time — you'll choose one or the other.

. Other important features

Skype 4.1 beta also reintroduces birthday reminder alerts and contacts-sharing, which were two features left out of Skype during its upgrade from version 3.8 to 4.0. Birthday reminders are automatic notices you receive on a contact's birthday if they've added this information to their profile. The send-a-contact feature can be found in the Conversation navigation menu under the "Send" option.

Two other notable re-inclusions are the ability to import contacts from Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and LinkedIn in addition to Skype 4.0's support for Yahoo and Microsoft Outlook products; and a screen reader accessibility tool to help visually impaired people use Skype.

The update also brings some bug fixes and audio and video improvements.

. About 4.2 beta

Skype 4.2 Beta was first released in December,2009, which begins to support “30 frames per second” 720p video calling at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, Skype said on Tuesday. However, the service will require not only new equipment, but also broadband uplink speeds that are at least double the average provided to most UK users. To get this video quality, users need an HD webcam and a PC with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor or better. Skype said that "uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1Mbps symmetrical bandwidth" is needed to support HD video calling on PCs and TVs. In addition, several new models of Skype-certified HD webcams are set to be introduced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, from companies such as faceVsion and In Store Solutions. Video encoding and processing for the HD calls is handled by the new webcams themselves, rather than by the user's PC, according to Skype.

. How to Record Skype Video Call

As we have mentioned, the video call of Skype has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is still no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of Skype are eager to be able to record Skype webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective. Camersoft Skype Video Recorder is professional software for Skype. It could record Skype video during the call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop. You could free download it or from their official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/

This Skype recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete Skype recording work. In addition, Camersoft Skype video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert video to many formats, not only the Skype recorded AVI, but also any other video files on your PC or from the internet, including FLV, MP4, MOV, MP3, WMV, MPG, OGG, etc.. It could also support all popular portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune, Nokia, Sansa and so on. It is very useful function and I have used to convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with my friends and partners, really very interesting and joyful.

At last, as all the additions make Skype's latest a substantial beta update. But since it's new, there may be bugs and some stability issues — we experienced a couple crashes ourselves during testing. Frequent Skype users will want to experiment with 4.1 or 4.2 beta. You can download the new edition of Skype 4.1 and a pdf describing it's functionalities from their homepage.

Review Windows Live Messenger 2009 and how to record MSN webcam

Some days ago, Microsoft released the betas of the latest versions of its Windows Live Suite – dubbed “Wave 3”, which will also encompass a huge redesign of all the entire Windows Live product line, online and offline. In this update, all of the Windows Live family components have had a redesign, but the biggest has had to be Windows Live Messenger 2009.
Actually, the old versions of Windows Live Messenger or MSN, as most of us used to call it, has gained rich users through out the world. But, just like other software tools from Microsoft, they also bring much complaining. So how about the new Live Messenger? I just upgraded to the latest Windows Live Messenger today and I have to say, I'm pleasantly surprised with the major changes they have made with the UI and the features.

This 14MB download took just a few minutes in my tests, though we had to proceed with care to prevent Windows Live Messenger from installing unwanted items, such as a desktop shortcut or Rhapsody music software. Once installed, Windows Live Messenger displays a drop-down menu of features along the top, contacts within the center pane, a search box on the bottom, and tabs for eBay, Rhapsody, and other services along the left. Microsoft fans will like the integration with MSN Spaces and the company's other properties. However, we wish we could hide the animated panel of ads at the bottom.
Then I fantasized a while in the new features of Live Messenger 2009. Because I've been using Windows Live Messenger formerly MSN Messenger for over a more than 5 years, I found that now it really has developed into a fine messenger. After initial testing, I found very little to complain about; in fact, while I could spend an entire week talking about all the cool things, I decided to isolate my reviews on several to new cool features which make Windows Live Messenger 2009 better.

New Vista style look of the main UI
The main sign-in screen has a new clean look with warm colors. A clean and a well defined layout. Taking a page from Vista, Messenger 2009 features a brand new “glassy” look on all the client’s windows, helping it to mesh better with Microsoft’s latest OS. The crystal-cleanliness of the entire client gives the IM a sleeker look outside the original blue and green outfit. The background is now customizable, like it has been in MSN v8.5; but this time, you can add a preset theme, or “scenes”, or create your own with an image of your choice. As well, you have also the choice to mix and match the colors, with one can be the color for the header, and another can be for the color of the bottom part of Messenger. We suggest you stick with the same color for both, but this feature is pretty interesting.

New contact organization and displaying
The biggest out of the redesign is the contact list (see left). The entire thing has gotten a massive redesign, but still has not departed from the original idea that there should not be any menu bars. Before you start organizing your contacts into groups, be forewarned: the 2009 Messenger experience is a little different from version 8.5. Now, your friends will go into “categories.” Meanwhile, you can pair different folks into “Groups” which help facilitate Messenger 9.0’s powerful new group chat feature. The development illustrates a strong commitment to streamlining communications and the group chat feature is no exception.We all have a small circle we talk to most on IM and now, Messenger 2009 makes it easier to find them on our contacts list with the “favorites” category. Organize this section at anytime; when your favorites sign-on, you’ll see them up top, front and center. Simple and effective.
Another brand new thing is “Favorites”, which allow you to make a list of “favorite” contacts. This, effectively, is not a new category, but just a section where you can drag and drop friends or family members that you like. As well, the Favorites section is given a different activity indicator setting, but you can change that as well.Customizable chat window

Greatly improved video phone call
Windows Live Messenger video call quality is better than ever. With the most recent Messenger release and a quality webcam, you can now experience a clearer, sharper picture with full-screen VGA video. True VGA video (640x480) is up to four times better resolution then prior solutions when switched to full screen. To experience a true VGA video call, you will need the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, a PC with a dual core processor and broadband Internet connection.However, the evolution of Windows Live Messenger between 8.5 and 9.0 in terms of video call capabilities does not stop here. The instant messaging client now brings to the table superior connection time when users initiate a video call, as well as a video-centric interface available outside of full screen mode. Starting with version 9.0, Windows Live Messenger is now a part of Windows Live Essentials, a package designed to centralize all the components that have been separated from the Windows operating system.

An interesting MSN webcam recorder for you
The video call of Live Messenger has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of MSN are eager to be able to record MSN webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective.
Camersoft MSN Video Recorder is a professional recorder software for Windows Live Messenger. It could record MSN webcam during video call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop.This MSN webcam recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete MSN recording work. In addition, the MSN video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert your videos, whether the recorded AVI or other videos like FLV, MP4, etc... to many formats and support rich portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune and so on.It is very useful feature and I could convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with others, really very interesting and joyful.

Review Skype new version and how to record Skype video call

Now Skype has been very popular, more and more people like to use it as a phone call software or just IM tools, like Windows Live Messenger or other IMs. Actually, Skype is very good free software for calling other people on their computers or phones. The calls have excellent sound quality and are highly secure with end-to-end encryption. You don't even need to configure your firewall or router or any other networking gear.Talking, sending instant messages or even file transfers work between different platforms like a charm.

Though Skype is very powerful, it is still in updating and providing more features and functions to us. In 2009, Skype released version 4.1, which is really an important upgrade. Maybe you are still using an old version such as 3.8 or so, that does not matter at all. In this article I would like give a simple review of the new version 4.1 and even some new features of the 4.2 Beta version, and also introduce a very useful Skype Video Recorder software which could record the video and audio when you are in a Skype video call.

. Screen Sharing

The 4.1 version incorporates various enchanting features, highly beneficial for the end users. As you already know Skype is a Voice over IP service, which provides efficient chatting, and communication techniques. The latest version of Skype that is 4.1 beta has incorporated the facility of screen sharing into chatting. Even though such technologies already exist as various remote access tools like Cross Loop and all, this service is not popular among the common people. In this context Skype’s new feature is highly appreciable.

Skype's screen-sharing feature is a clever addition to the VoIP communications application. In our tests it was engaging, especially when paired with Skype's voice calling and chatting capabilities. The fair screen quality and few seconds of lag time won't bother most casual users, but at this point we wouldn't recommend Skype's new feature for replacing a dedicated screen-sharing application or service for frequent collaborators. Skype's screen sharing is view-only; it is not a remote access tool like CrossLoop, which is geared for providing technical assistance. For demonstration purposes, however, Skype's screen sharing is just one more way to connect with faraway contacts.

Screen sharing begins by clicking the "share" drop-down on a contact screen and choosing "Share your screen". Skype then gives you the choice to record the full screen or a region. Pressing the button to initiate the screen share also launches an audio call. You can later resize by clicking and dragging the thick red borders. During a session, a button toggles you between full and partial screen modes. Because screen sharing essentially broadcasts a video recording of your screen to your contact, you can't place a video call and share the screen at the same time — you'll choose one or the other.

. Other important features

Skype 4.1 beta also reintroduces birthday reminder alerts and contacts-sharing, which were two features left out of Skype during its upgrade from version 3.8 to 4.0. Birthday reminders are automatic notices you receive on a contact's birthday if they've added this information to their profile. The send-a-contact feature can be found in the Conversation navigation menu under the "Send" option.

Two other notable re-inclusions are the ability to import contacts from Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and LinkedIn in addition to Skype 4.0's support for Yahoo and Microsoft Outlook products; and a screen reader accessibility tool to help visually impaired people use Skype.

The update also brings some bug fixes and audio and video improvements.

. About 4.2 beta

Skype 4.2 Beta was first released in December,2009, which begins to support “30 frames per second” 720p video calling at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, Skype said on Tuesday. However, the service will require not only new equipment, but also broadband uplink speeds that are at least double the average provided to most UK users. To get this video quality, users need an HD webcam and a PC with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor or better. Skype said that "uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1Mbps symmetrical bandwidth" is needed to support HD video calling on PCs and TVs. In addition, several new models of Skype-certified HD webcams are set to be introduced this week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, from companies such as faceVsion and In Store Solutions. Video encoding and processing for the HD calls is handled by the new webcams themselves, rather than by the user's PC, according to Skype.

. How to Record Skype Video Call

As we have mentioned, the video call of Skype has evolved to a new and higher level. But there is still no recording function. It is really a pity, because so many users of Skype are eager to be able to record Skype webcam video and save on the PC. Here I would introduce a Third-Party software tool which could help you easily to achieve this objective. Camersoft Skype Video Recorder is professional software for Skype. It could record Skype video during the call with your friends or family and save as AVI video files on your PC or laptop. You could free download it or from their official website:
http://www.camersoft.com/

This Skype recorder is very easy to use, only a few mouse clicks are needed to complete Skype recording work. In addition, Camersoft Skype video recorder is integrated with an advanced Video Converter component, which could be used to convert video to many formats, not only the Skype recorded AVI, but also any other video files on your PC or from the internet, including FLV, MP4, MOV, MP3, WMV, MPG, OGG, etc.. It could also support all popular portable players and mobile devices like: iPod, iPhone, BlackBerry, Zune, Nokia, Sansa and so on. It is very useful function and I have used to convert the recorded files to my iPod and share with my friends and partners, really very interesting and joyful.

At last, as all the additions make Skype's latest a substantial beta update. But since it's new, there may be bugs and some stability issues — we experienced a couple crashes ourselves during testing. Frequent Skype users will want to experiment with 4.1 or 4.2 beta. You can download the new edition of Skype 4.1 and a pdf describing it's functionalities from their homepage.