The Value of Screencasts

Ubuntu is running a month of screencasts – one screencast for each day of September. Each one is relatively short, but information packed. So far (and there are only 5 thus far) they range from how to burn an install CD to why you should consider Ubuntu above OS X or Windows.

I just finished watching “Why Ubuntu” and I think the screencasters did an excellent job. The information is presently with the aid of simple visuals and the presentation is very light on technical information so it is easy to digest by the average computer user. I have to add a critique, however, in that the voice is rather dry and monotonous. I believe a more lively speaker would go a long way in helping the presentation.

One may be asking what is the significance of these screencasts? I think the answer to this question is two-fold: the screencasts show the power of well done presentations, and of course, the power of the Ubuntu ecosystem.

Screencasts are something that I believe all software of more than trivial complexity should have. Even if the company/designer/community believes their software is brain-dead simple so even a caveman can use it (sorry, Geico cavemen!), I guarantee they are wrong. A few very simple screencasts, focusing on a one simple topic (not two!) can quickly and easily show users not only how to use the software, but also that the creators of the software care enough about all users (and not just the technical ones!).

Frequently, software seems to look down at people. For example, imagine you have never seen a computer before, and suddenly, one is thrust upon you. Instantly, you feel stupid. However, add an instructional video that shows you simple tasks, one at a time, that you can jump between as you are comfortable – now you feel empowered. That’s the power of the screencast. And that’s how the Ubuntu screencasts benefit Ubuntu users – you can tell people you’re software is easy to use until you’re blue in the face, but until you show people, and make them feel empowered, potential users will stay just that – potential users.

I think we can all learn a little something from the Ubuntu screencasts. We can all learn that Ubuntu rocks (I’m convinced – I’ve been running it for two years), and that screencasts are great tools.