From time to time I need to quickly write a guide for my users (e.g. to explain how to perform a task in an application). For this purpose screenshots are very good at explaining the steps instead of writing them in text. In the old days I just used Paint to get the job done, but the Windows Snipping Tool feature in Windows 7 is much better.

Open the Windows Start Menu and type "Snipping", the Snipping Tool program menu item will appear.

The Snipping Tool opens as a little window and immediatly lets you drag a box around the area of the screen of which you need a screenshot. When you are done, it will allow you to highlight details in the screenshot using a highlighter or a pen tool to draw stuff on the screenshot.

When you are done with your screenshot, simply save it and use it in your guide or blog post or whatever you are up to. The Snipping Tool defaults to saving images as Capture.PNG. You can of course change this to your liking.

The finished image:

Happy Snippin'

Problem:

You would like to print a calendar, but the standard Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 calendar printing features does not fullfill your needs.

Solution:

Install the Microsoft Office Outlook Calendar Printing Tool and get all your wishes granted. More information is available here. You can skip reading and download the whole application for free.

Happy programming and calendar printing! :-)

Problem:

We all know this! Just drag the picture to the chat window to send it to your buddy. Oh no! Windows Live Messenger starts the horrific feature called photo sharing! This clutters up the chat window and renders it completely useless. If some how you could just avoid this hidious feature.

Solution:

Even though Windows Live Messenger does not allow you to turn the feature off, a quick n' dirty shortcut for sending files is right around the corner. Instead of dragging the file to the chat window, drag it onto your contacts name in the contact list. Voila! Ya good olde file transfer begins! Of course, you will have to open the contact list, but I can manage that.

Happy programming (and MSN'ing)!