Craft Edge

This works well for images, screen shots, and svg files.
To use this for svg's select all of the parts you want included in the exported image, then continue from step 2.
To use this for screen shots, after step 2, draw a rectangle over the portion you want to keep. Select the screen shot and the rectangle, then from the menu, Object/Clip/Set.

Nicely done!

Heather thanks so much for doing this!!!!!

Since I am new to Inkscape : Is this an easier way to send your file to SCAL? If not, I'm not sure when to use it. Thanks for your help.

Toaster,
That's a good question, but this doesn't have anything to do with SCAL, per se. Some people use this procedure to "take pictures" of their svgs so the image shows up when they are searching for things. (A bmp version of the same title will appear next to the svg version so the bmp image serves as a proxy for the svg)
This same technique of exporting a bitmap gives a way you can use Inkscape instead of having to open another program to ready photos and screen shots to post on message boards and that kind of thing.

Kay,
Thanks for the clarification. I'm learning here and there with all of the mb's help how to use Inkscape. At this point in my education I am still a newbie and I am amazed when I am able to import a piece of clipart and eventually cut it out. It usually takes quite a bit of time and many un-do's. So far I have managed to make 3 (yes 3) things!

thanks!