♦Scanners
are very easy to use.
1) Plug your scanner cable into your computer.
2) Plug your scanner cord into your electrical power strip.
3) Install your scanner software onto your computer.
4) Place your item to scan on the glass the same as you would
on a copy machine
5) Push the scan button. You're done!
6) Repeat with next paper item.
7) Then transfer your items (by clicking and dragging usually
with your mouse) into appropriate software
programs of your choice on your computer hard drive.
8) After that you also can transfer the newly scanned files onto diskettes,
CDs, DVDs, or even a mini travel drive. These take up a lot less space than
those piles of paper (and also free space on your computer hard drive).
♦So what
scanner should you buy? I've used Visioneer brand scanners in the past and currently
use the Visioneer OneTouch 9120 USB. However, manufacturers have produced newer
models since I purchased that one.
♦Look for
a flatbed scanner. You can lay items on the glass of a flatbed scanner versus
feeding them through the scanner. Some items that you might want to scan may not
feed well because of their awkward thickness, size or shape. On a
flatbed scanner, the top (lid) opens, just as a the
top of a copy machine (lid) opens. You lay your paper or photo on the glass panel
surface you'll see when you open the top.
Target
also sells several scanners including the Visioneer brand. You can find scanners
everywhere, usually as part of multi-usage (all-in-one) equipment now.
♦Look for a
scanner that has adequate DPI resolution for your needs. Most any scanner
can do a good job on a simple piece of paper with few details and black and white ink.
But you may
want to scan items like photographs later. And you may want those to look great, not
just good. A better quality scanner will capture finer details and a wider
selection of colors (IF you decide that you're in need of that finer detail and
precise color). But even a so-so
scanner will do a good job these days for the average person's usage.
♦Retailers
also sell a lot of multifunction machines, also called all in one machines, that
can do multiple functions such as scan, copy, fax and print. You may want one of
these simply because they use less space in your home office by allowing you to
consolidate these machines into one. The downside is that if a multifunction
machine breaks, you cannot scan, copy, fax or print until you either fix it or
buy a new one. Plus if you work in a home office with multiple people, your
office could get a little crowded and with heated attitudes if everyone needs to
use the various functions simultaneously.
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