We own Camtasia 3, but might want to create software simulations to teach and test our trainees. The simulation would not require audio and will not be used to teach highly complex software (most of the time, but not always, staff need to search for and view given pieces of data that might be found in different modules of the software). We anticipate 10-minute chunks meant to train employees to use the software for very specific tasks. Thanks for any advice you can share.

I tested both before deciding to go with Captivate. I would not do it again if given the chance. Captivate is incredibly "buggy" and unpredictable. I have saved and published files, tested them, posted them to the web only to have them act up a month later. I have also recorded audio within the modules, saved them and published them. The file will play fine...then I go back a week later and somehow the audio files got screwed up and it will play the same audio file for every action.
I called Captivate (which was bought out by Adobe) and spent 6 hours over 2 days with their outsourced technical support department. The end result? They said "that is so weird." No ideas on how to resolve the issues.
I don't know if anyone has had any experiences like this with Captasia.
Just an added note...while at an eLearning Certification I asked abuot Captivate and noted that it is sometimes "buggy" and the instructor/facilitator said "you mean every time you open it?" Apparantly I am not the only one who has had problems.
What do you need the program to do that Captasia can't?

Mandy... Wow. Just after my post in another thread I see your comments. Nice to know I am not alone in my frustration with them.

Greetings, Thanks to both of you for your helpful comments. What we need from Captivate -- and I think is not possible with Camtasia -- is the actual software simulation, where staff could actually 'type along,' really completing the very same steps that they would take on the job. I understand that Captivate allows us to test in this same way, by asking trainees to go through the very same steps/clicks that they would if they were using the software.

I've worked with Captivate for the past few years and generally like what it does. I say "generally" since as stated in another reply it can be buggy at times. Nevertheless, it does what it's supposed to well: capture computer actions and arranged them into an editable "film strip". Once you get used to it, Captivate allows creating good training applications relatively quickly. You can indeed create tests and exercises requiring students to type answers, complete actions or select the correct answer. If you're looking for a tool primarily to develop training based on screen captures, Captivate is a good choice. If you're looking for a more complete authoring tool to create various e-learning courses and modules, I recommend something more complete and powerful, like Lectora.

Cheers,

Jean-Marc