There's a neat utility included with Windows 7 called the "Problem Steps Recorder". If you are wanting to communicate an error or situation with someone, you can record your actions, and send the finished screen shot sequence to whoever you would like to share the information with. It is incredibly easy to use:

1) Click on the /strong>Start Button (The round Windows logo in the lower left-hand corner of the screen)

2) In the search bar, type "PSR" (without quotes) and hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

I'm a big fan of free software, no matter if it's Open Source or just simply Freeware. I've run into some folks, even computer savvy people, who have never heard that there are free alternatives to a lot of big name software out there.