Creating interactive software tutorials

To sell software online

[aspdaddy]

I need some decent tutorials/demo's to put on a website for a new software application.

Can anyone reccomend a software package, or a method to go about making a detailed tutorial showwing how to use a software application.

Or even point me to some good examples.

It needs to be able to show how the software works, ideally with the mouse clicking buttons etc and the screens changing, textboxes appearing with explanations and some navigation through the demo.

Most important - it needs to be put onlineso small file size would help, but also neds to be high quality.

None of the sceen cam stuff is good enough quality or small enough in size, powerpoint animation is very limited, animated gifs and dhtml animation take forever to make...

Anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks.

[Leosghost]

Flash?

[smokeyb]

A good piece of software that exactly matches your needs is viewlet builder by qarbon. I really like the clarity of the display when viewing a tutorial in this format.
HTH

[mgm_03]

SnapzPro ...haven't tried it but sounds like it might fit your need

[jezra]

I have created demo's both in Flash and with an application that makes demos. The Pros and cons were as follows:
Flash
Pros - small file size
Cons - long development time, large learning curve

Demo Making App (Camtasia Studio by TechSmith)
Pros - quick creation time, small learning curve(even a PHB can use it)
Cons - large file size, requires a very fast puter to capture full screen

So if you have the time, create the content in Flash. If you need the demo by next week, use a demo creation app.

[MamaDawg]

How about RoboDemo? (Macromedia)