i'd like to take a screen shot of a given web page a la alexa but everything i've read says it not possible with php being server side and not being a browser etc.
then i read that someone had figured it out and would be able to enlighten for a fee.

does anyone have any ideas? or any suggestions on how to stand a better chance of finding (googling) an example i can modify?

;purk

It is a slightly complex process involving a rendering engine on the server machine. It cannot be done using just php. There was a forums thread on this a while ago so you might want to use the search function to see if you can find it.

Jamie

Purk, I have setup a script for that.
http://www.web-screenshots.com

The subscription part is not done yet, but the thumbnailer works.
Tell me if you'd like a demo or details.

Just for the info, if you are looking to make it yourself, it's far from being php only.
Php is only there to take the request and send the result back. Everything in the middle is handled by a Python script that works like some "glue" to tie up several programs and libraries together (mozilla, gtkmozembed, virtualFrameBuffer /vnc , glibc, pim...) to render the page and save the screenshot.

What if you ran a binary using exec command but I would admit it would be rather difficult and/or time consuming because you would have to code the binary unless you find one premaid.