the best,fast,free way to get a screenshot under windows xp

Some people asked me how to get a screenshot. Well, there are many ways to do that. From paid softwares to free softwares. I would like to share this free method to every one. I use it all the time.

Purpose: to get a screenshot (useful to get a picture of some PDF files which are protected due to copy right converns).

Environment: Windows XP. It can apply to any windows environment from windows 98 to windows vista though.

Software(s) needed: IrfanView (please click here to my another post about this free software)

1, move your mouse so that that stuff you need to capture is visible in the screen and look for the "PrtSC" button. It is a short form of "Print Screen".

2,now open IrfanView and try to create a new blank image.

Choose the resolution accordingly (I use 2000*2000 because I have a big screen).

click OK, you will have a new blank image. Click edit>paste, the whoe screenshot will be pasted to this blank image like below. You then can drag a rectangle using your mouse to choose the right area and click edit>crop the area.

3, click file>save as, you now have a screenshot.

The whole process looks much complicated than it actually is. Try yourself and you will love it.

The reason to use IrfanView is it is free and efficient. This software is really lightweighted. You can always use whatever software that you prefer, even Photoshop though.

The PrtSc button will eliminate the need to get a paid screen capture software. It is fast and free (on your keyboard).