People often tell me about things they find problematic, but since they don't have the same technology lexicon I possess, they find it difficult to convey the problem. Screen captures can solve this problem instantly. Just like pictures tell a story when words may fail, video does an even better job. Add a microphone and you've got a real valuable communications tool. Even without a mic, simply showing a technical support pro what's going on can help a great deal.

After you download CamStudio (which is free!), make sure you keep it short and pithy. Get to the point, don't ramble, and send your videos with a bit of text to explain what you're doing. The written word is still the most efficient method of communication, even when it fails to reveal the problem alone.

I should note that the first time I used the link at Start => Programs => CamStudio => CamStudio, it gave me some weird link error. I did it again, and each time since it worked. I'd have to reinstall to see if I can regenerate the problem, but it looks like a minor bug that works itself out, and is definitely only relevant to the link in Windows Start Menu. So, it seems unimportant.

Obtain your free copy of CamStudio at camstudio.org.