Recording software refers to a type of program that is able to record audio, text, or video. There are many different types of recording software and most conveniently have several different features bundled together. The most common type of recording software is used to record audio with the aid of a microphone or other audio source. However, software for recording emails, cursor movements, and accessed files exist. While many recording programs have a fee associated with them or have to be purchased, there are several recording programs that are completely free for both personal and commercial purposes.

Audacity

Audacity is a free audio recording software that records sounds via a microphone, sound mixer, or line input device. Audacity can also record sounds that other applications make and is able to record streaming audio if a proper sound card is enabled. In addition to recording audio, Audacity allows the user to modify audio files in a wide variety of ways that include mixing multiple tracks together, removing unwanted clips from an audio file, and recording over an audio track. Audacity is an open source and anyone can use it for any purpose.

WavePad

WavePad is a commercial software that is similar to Audacity, but has a few slight differences. The main difference between WavePad and Audacity is that WavePad has a user interface similar to Windows Media Player, which is characterized by a convenient and accessible control panel. WavePad also has several features that Audacity does not, including a voice changer, text-to-speech generator, and spectral analyzer. While WavePad costs between $40 and $70, there is a free version of WavePad that can be used for personal purposes.

CamStudio

CamStudio is a free, open source screen recording software that can capture screen-based events and audio and then convert them into AVI videos. Those AVI videos can then create streaming Flash-based videos that can be uploaded to the Internet or shared across a network. CamStudio can be used for a wide variety of purposes such as creating demonstrations or tutorials, recording technical problems, and creating blog-based streaming videos. Not only is CamStudio able to record screen activity and audio, but it can also access the user’s camera to display a side-by-side view of the user and his/her video.

Free Sound Recorder

Free Sound Recorder is another free recording software that can perform many of the same functions as both Audacity and WavePad. While Free Sound Recorder is only able to process MP3, WAV, and WMA audio file formats, the software records new audio files via a microphone, sound mixer, line input, application, or other source and can convert both cassette and LP into CDs and DVDs. Free Sound Recorder can also record streaming audio from the Internet or stream audio files from the user’s computer via a webpage, blog, or podcast with the proper software.

Extra Screen Capture Free

Extra Screen Capture Free is another free recording software that is able to record screen activities. Extra Screen Capture is designed to create demos and tutorials, and troubleshoot videos. While Extra Screen Capture Free is not specifically made for capturing audio, it is able to capture sound effects generated by on-screen activities. All captured activities are stored as either AVI or EXE files and can be played without installing any third-party software.