Capturing it with screen shots S creen shots are commonly used in technical manuals to illustrate a series of steps taken to achieve a desired result in computer programming or text editing. Classes in command line programming also typically use this format in presentations.
Screen shots have other uses, as well.
Since graphics software allows users to create and manipulate photos, screen shots are primarily used for illustrative purposes when dealing with the computer. Screen shots can be used in PowerPoint presentations or handouts to illustrate anything which would normally appear on the computer desktop. For example, instructors could show their students pictures of a Web site, or how they performed a specific task using the menu bar. A well-prepared presenter can use screen shots of various Web pages as backup pictures when a presentation relying on an Internet connection fails. Depending on the situation, this use of screen shots can mean the difference between a good grade or a bad grade for a student.