Tools to Take a Picture of the Software Problem
When you are testing software Gourmet Food Gift Baskets encounter a problem (i.e. bug), it's typically very useful Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space take a picture of the Mortgaging refinancing quotes and "capture" the problem as it happens. When a software programmer can "see" the problem as well as read your step-by-step description of the events leading up to the error - it really helps to communicate the exact issue.
If you don't have a tool to do this, you can just do the "Alt-PrtSc" key combo to capture the active window, paste it into Windows Paint, and then edit as desired. However, there are a number of screen capture tools for Windows that help get this accomplished easier (and more efficiently) including some tools that are a small fee and some that are even freeware.
Two of my favorite tools are SnagIt (an inexpensive tool from TechSmith - the maker of Camtasia) and a freeware tool called MWsnap. SnagIt is an industrial-strength screen capture tool with many advanced features including object capture, video capture, and web capture (as well as several standard bitmap rectangular, window, and desktop capture options). You can save the image as a bmp, jpg, tif, or other format. It's also part of the Camtasia Studio that includes a suite of tools. It's very highly rated and I have used it for years without problem.
MWsnap is a freeware tool that will get the basic job done of capturing defects and error messages while you are testing. It has fixed and variable rectangular area captures as well as window and desktop and the files save types of bmp, jpg, and others. One of the usual concerns I have with freeware tools is their reliability (Of course - I hate buggy software programs - ha ha), but MWsnap seems very robust and I have not had any problems with it after a couple years of Consolidate student loan I highly recommend it for a freeware tool and if you search in Google - you can find the download link and see the positive user reviews.
So as you're testing and come across a defect, take a picture (aka screen capture) of it to save as evidence of the problem. It really helps clarify and display the problem to the programmer or web designer or as an attachment to an online report that describes the problem. You will also find numerous other uses for the tools to help with your software testing documentation needs.
Further questions can be directed to me through the Software Testing Planet website. Happy bug hunting and good luck in your new software testing career!
-Steve (Software Testing Planet - www.softwaretestingplanet.com">www.softwaretestingplanet.com)
Steve Laats, creator of "How to Make Up to 6 Figures as a Software QA Tester", has over 25 years of experience in the software industry with a focus on quality assurance and management. Past positions held include: QA manager; Project Manager; Director of Software QA; Director of Technical Operations; Chief Operating Officer; President and Owner.
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