25 Free or Low cost Screen Sharing Tools
As a Virtual Assistant I spend a great deal of my “free” time researching tools I can use to make my client’s Webinars, Webcasts, and Screencasts better, less expensive or more versatile. I lucked out the other day when I happened to stumble upon this table showing many of the live screensharing tools available on the Web that are either free or really cheap.
Not all of these have a lot of the features you might want to deliver Webinars such as chat or recording features but a few of them, such as Dimdim and Yugma do. I have tested both of these open source tools with pretty good success. I also like Glance a lot because of its simplicity but it does not have a lot of extra bells and whistles that some Webinar presenters really like. Some of these tools are really better used for one on one training or coaching such as Skyfex and Team Viewer. I also recommend GotoMeeting which is great as long as you have 15 people or less. Recently, I discovered a tool called Webtrain which is not on the list but seemed to have a lot of nice features for a very reasonable cost. Just remember, that when you are trying to decide which tool to use ask yourself whether the following are important to you
- Ability to speak and listen through your PC (VOIP)
- Automated recording of the session
- Ability for attendees to chat with each other during the session
- Need for attendees to connect to the software without downloading anything
- Ability for attendees to view a live video of the speaker
As you review the tools on this table keep in mind that they are on the list because they are very inexpensive and concentrate on screensharing rather than showing Powerpoints or video. If you are looking for a more robust tool with additional features check out Adobe Connect Pro, Webex or GotoWebinar. In any case have fun testing them out!
http://www.tablefy.com/compare/2631/Best-Screen-Sharing-And-Remote-Control-Tools—Comparison-Table
Best,
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14 January 2009, 7:27 pm
Michelle-
Thanks for including Dimdim on your list of webinar tools. From looking at your chart, the only thing I would add is that Dimdim Pro (starting at $99/year for 20 attendees) also includes 2-way video. It’s a feature a number of customers requested. As presenter you can assign which attendee has the ability to share video — and you can re-assign to someone else, especially if you are changing speakers.
Thanks!
-k
Kevin Micalizzi, Community Manager
Dimdim Web Conferencing / http://www.dimdim.com
e: kevin@dimdim.com / twitter: @meetdimdim
On Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/dimdim-facebook
14 January 2009, 11:47 pm
Kevin,
Yes. I really like DimDim and the price is right! I also like how quickly you are sending out the recording now. And the meeting registration process has become a lot easier. I wish you continued success with that tool.
Michelle