saving small part of a bigger piece

*looks down at feet in shame while asking question*

I should know this and haven't gotten to figuring it out since I started using Photoshop but I really should figure out how to do it since I'm pretty sure its possible.

How do I save only a part of an image without making a new document? Like if I have a layout that consists of three main objects and I want to save the files as separate .jpgs so I can make a site with them. Do I have to select each part, merge the layers that make up the part, get a rectangular marquee, copy merged, make new document, paste, and save? There must be an easier way, no? Or if I have six navigation buttons that I would like as separate buttons but, for obvious reasons, I made them in the same .psd file. Do I have copy and paste into 6 separate .psd files to save them as 6 separate .jpgs?

*glances quickly up but then back down at feet*

I need to get more efficient in PS and this would help me start.

tom

Slices + manual.

Manually do it or read the manual?

Or can you save just one slice?

I don't understand.

tom