In “Just because it moves doesn’t mean it’s video” I recommended that you should match your video media project with the appropriate software to obtain the best outcome.

That suggestion prompted several questions. “How can I tell what program I have and how best can it be used?” someone wondered. “Where do I find the information about specific software so I’ll know if it will fit my needs?”

This is my attempt to answer those questions.

When you produce a multimedia project, it is important to remember that different delivery methods (Web, DVD, PowerPoint) require different programs and applications to produce video, graphics, and animation. Just because a program can produce media for different delivery methods, doesn’t mean it is the most appropriate application to use.

Most likely, your project will fall into one of three categories: Web-based delivery, computer games, and full quality videos. Each category has any number of appropriate applications that get the job done.

When determining what tool you should use to produce your project, ask yourself how the end product will be shown. Will it be delivered primarily as streamed video or animation over the Web? Will it be computer-based (for instance as part of a PowerPoint presentation or a game)? Or perhaps you are looking for full blown video, delivered via DVD, videotape, or broadcast. Below are examples of software applications appropriate for these different uses.

Web-based delivery

If your goal is to create something primarily for the Web, Adobe Flash (often just called “Flash”) is becoming the program of choice for animation and video. Flash is a program that’s well suited for Internet applications. Common uses of Flash include animations, advertisements, Web-page components, and videos for Web pages. Flash Player is included in most major Web browsers. That means most of your users already have the software they need to view your work and won’t have to download any bulky or complicated software.

Computer games

Adobe Shockwave was originally designed in the 1990s for producing online movies and animations. It has, however, become primarily associated with computer game development. Adobe claims that over half of all PCs have the Shockwave Player installed and ready to go. So, like Flash, that means most of your users will already have all they need to run your software. So, if you want to create a simple game a lot of people can use, Shockwave is a good choice.

Full-quality videos

There are numerous video editing and DVD authoring software programs out there for budding multimedia producers. For beginners who want a quality, easy-to-use program, nothing beats Apple’s iLife, which includes its groundbreaking iMovieHD (a video editing program capable of producing high definition video), and iDVD, which allows you to easily author and burn movies, photos, and music to DVDs. iLife also includes GarageBand (a virtual music recording studio), and iPhoto (a digital photo album). All these tools are designed for the everyday user, work seamlessly together, and produce fantastic quality. On the PC side, there are any number of systems available — too many to list here — but a good listing of the software programs available (including ratings) can be found at www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,4835,00.asp.

These recommendations presume you have a certain baseline level of understanding. If you are still uncertain about software, delivery methods, or terminology, don’t be shy about finding a class or training in the fundamentals of this often-confusing array of media options.

Steve Doyle, doyles@purdue.edu

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