A screencast is a video of a computer screen, and can be a useful tool for demonstrating software, teaching or training. I’ve used Camtasia for years, but it is expensive. I’ve also heard great things about Jing, which is available in both a free and a pro version. To learn more, Lifehacker Jason Fitzpatrick lists Five Best Screencasting Tools in his article of the same title.

Are cluttered to-do lists, multitasking, and unlimited browser tabs taking their toll on your productivity? Some experts are calling single tasking (focusing on one task at a time) “the new multitasking.” If you want to give it a try, NowDoThis offers a new twist on the old fashioned to-do list. Type in a list of items, and then instead of displaying the entire list for you at once, it only displays a single task with a simple “done” button. Now, you have no choice but to just get it done.

Is shutting off your Mac at the end of the day better than putting it to sleep? Although many Windows refugees prefer to power down, Gary Rosenzweig of MacMost explains that sleep is better in most situations because it uses very little power and makes for very speedy start ups.

Tired of buying Microsoft Office for each computer you use? OpenOffice is an open-source (i.e. free) software suite for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. It stores all your data in file formats that are compatible with Microsoft Office, and works on many computer platforms including Windows, Mac and Unix. The newest release, OpenOffice 3.1 is now available for download.

If you’ve ever had to find a mutually agreeable date for a group event, you’ll instantly appreciate WhichDateWorks. Without any required registration, simply name your event, add the email addresses of all involved, and sit and back and watch. As each participant inputs their availability, you will get a graphic overview of which dates are best for your event.