Screen Recording to Standard Movie Format File?

I am looking for some software that can capture what is happening on my screen to a standard movie format: MOV, WMV, MPG, ... something like that. With such a program, I will be able to record and create brief instructional videos.

Can anyone recommend a good program in this category? Thanks.

A gentle bump.

Does no one know of such a thing? It must exist. I see instructional videos all the time that have clearly captured the screen (or even just a window will do), showing the mouse pointer moving around, menus dropping down and so so.

I would prefer freeware or shareware, but if the program is commercial in nature, that is OK too.

Can anyone give me any pointers?

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94144&highlight=screen+record
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85611&highlight=screen+record
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95507&highlight=screen+record

Thanks technologist - why couldn't I find those. I was searching on "screen" and "record"... Sigh...