On upper right of your keyboard you almost certainly have a key that looks something like:

Forget about SysRq key for now, it won’t do much good unless your running Linux and doing more in Linux than just using your computer for day to day tasks. The print screen key however, is a very valuable tool for everyone running Microsoft Windows.

Have you ever wanted to show someone exactly what is on your screen? Maybe you have an error message and easiest way to describe it is to simply show someone message. With ‘Print Screen’ you can.

Just give it a try. Hit ‘Print Screen’ on your keyboard. You may notice a very brief pause on screen, or you my not, it isn’t important. Now open up any image editing program. I usually just use Microsoft Paint (Start Menu- Programs-accessories-Paint), because it comes with windows. You can use any image editor you are comfortable with.

Now go to Edit-Paste, and you should get your screen capture pasted into Paint.

You may already be thinking how simple and powerful this button is, and you’re right. There is just a little more to it.

Page 2, shrinking your screen

The image so far is probably much too big to be useful. It’s a copy of your whole screen, so it takes up your whole screen. It’d be a very large file to e-mail in this state. Thankfully it’s simple to resize image.

In Paint, just go up to ‘Image-Stretch/Skew’, as shown here:

Notebook Computers Are Sexy!

Granted, notebook computer may just be sexiest accessory this side of a Baywatch Extra! But are they worth extra money? Should your next PC be a notebook or laptop computer?

What are pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? More importantly, can they get job done?

There's no denying it -- notebook computers are sexy! Slim, svelte and lightweight; they always come across as looking sexy, ultimate in high fashion accessories.

Maybe sexy isn't most appropriate word -- we are talking about chips, hard drives and bits of metal. But you have to admit; they do look good on just about anybody! However; don't let good looks fool you! And don't get blinded by all that sleek metal and flashy designs.

The notebook is one little workhorse whose time may just have come. Growing in popularity as prices decline, it's definitely worth considering when you make your next PC purchase.

All kidding aside, just what are some of practical pros and cons of owning a notebook computer? What points should you consider before buying a notebook computer?

Basically, you have to narrow it down to a few simple steps. Then consider all your options before you make your decision. First, ask yourself -- what types of tasks, jobs, do you want computer to perform? Do you want it for traveling, business, or for use in home?

Do you want it for simple tasks like email, web browsing or to use as a word processor? Do you want it for gaming, web authoring, heavy graphic work, dvd or MP3 downloading?

Next, consider all these options and find notebook that best suits your needs. Remember, it's your needs that have to be fulfilled. Don't let a pushy salesperson talk you into buying something you will never need or use.

At same time, make sure you buy a notebook that has all features that will complete all tasks you throw at it. In other words, make sure it can do job!

Keep that question in back of your head as you read rest of this article. Especially, keep it in mind, as you browse thru all these sleek models and makes of notebooks. Don't be dazzled by all that sexiness!

Keep your eyes on cursor!

Keep asking yourself -- what does my new notebook computer need in order for it to get job done?

Lets take a closer look at all options.

First, like anything sexy; notebooks come in all shapes and sizes.

SMALL - How small can they be? They can be as tiny as well -- small traditional paper notebooks -- with 10-inch displays. There is even a sub category known as Tablet PCs; these are very small tablets where you enter data using a stylus. Common in certain fields, like health care or real estate.

Up a step from there -- are 'Ultraportables'. You can easily take these anywhere as they fit nicely in a handbag or carry on bag. These are used by fliers and travelers, they are light and small with 12 inch screens without internal CD or DVD drives. They don't match performance of other larger notebooks.

LARGE - How large can they be?

They can be as big as 6 or 7 pounds or more. Over an inch thick and come with 15 or 17-inch displays these are often referred to as 'Desktop Replacements'

And just as their name states -- these can replace your old desktop computer. For most purposes, these notebooks can perform all tasks of a regular pc, have large screens, big keyboards, combo drives and very large hard drives. But you have handy option of moving these from room to room for wireless networking, or even for traveling.

MID-SIZE

In between these two groups; we have business class notebooks. These are often referred to as 'Thin-and-lights' -- they offer best all around convenience of performance, portability and different features.

Mostly preferred by business travelers. They have 14-inch screens, CD-RW/DVD drives, wireless networking, because they are so versatile, these 'do-it-all' notebooks or laptops are becoming really popular. Basic Rundown

That's a basic overview or rundown on different types of notebooks. But you have to compare and contrast different features in a little more detail if you want to figure out best notebook that's suited for your needs. Since there are so many types and varieties of notebooks; not to mention so many technical requirements... buying a notebook can sometimes be confusing. And for some people downright worrisome!

Will notebook you choose get job done? Will it be able to do applications, or tasks you want it to perform?

Ease your Burden -- Make a Checklist!

If you don't want to be disappointed, here's a quick 'CheckList' of features you want to check before you buy your notebook computer.

* Processor: The heart of your notebook or computer. It does processing and applications. Most people prefer Intel Pentium Processors; higher number faster it will process! Go with Pentium 4 if you can. Intel Celeron is another choice.