I had a member ask a question and this was my answer:
You don't need to manually adjust the camera. I am going to assume that your camera can focus when you press the button half way. Try it...most cameras work that way. Now...point the camera directly at what you want in focus and press the button half way. Now move the camera and frame your photo and press the the button all the way. Try this...put your subject to the left side of the photo you want to take. Have the background far away. So... the photo will show the subject to the left of the photo. Now point the camera right at the subject and press the button down half way. You should now see the subject in focus. Now move the camera to the right to include the background and press the button the rest of the way. Don't let go of the button in the half way position before you shoot. The photo you get should show the subject in focus and the far away background out of focus. In other words...focus on the main subject and then move the camera to reframe the photo.. Also, if you are taking a photo of someone who has a bright light behind them then focus on their feet then move the camera up to include their face. Why...because the camera also takes a light reading. try it and let me know how it works.
BTW...this also works with all cameras when using auto focus.

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If you have a big delay when shooting a photo (press the button and the photo is delayed before the camera shoots) then press the button half way down and hold it. Wait for the right moment and shoot. There will be no delay.

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hmmm, i'm going to try this. i have a fuji 4mb point and shoot, and have never really understood what the halfway button thing meant. i usually use it just to clarify that i have a straight and steady shot and that my son is smiling or showing a "good" expression. i didn't realize that a camera would hold the shot from the "halfway press", i'm so going to try this...and will definately let ya know my results. thanks

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The camera is actually doing a focus lock on it.. this is great as Will states to help you pick a focus spot and then move to a different spot to compose and frame your shot. Keep in mind that if your subject moves greatly, you will need to start over as the focus was locked specificially for that moment... it works well for trees, flowers and the occasional kid shot.. but once they fidget and move a lot.. you'll need to start over.

I've used this for moments when I knew something was coming, say a bike rider. I'd focus on a spot where I know the rider will be coming from.. and then just depress the rest of the way once they get there.. bingo, instant photo in focus with no delay. Of course, YMMV..

Great info Will!

This is great tip...I'm going to send this to my daughter who uses a point and shoot! Thanks!