• Before choosing a scanner
• Some background info to consider
• Basics no one will be bothered to tell you about scanning
• Forewarned is forearmed - have your answers READY!
• Scanner technology - the need-to-know stuff
• Software with which scanners are commonly associated
• Scanning costs

Basics no one will be bothered to tell you about scanning

Basic One

The overall task of scanning is accomplished via the use of a PC or Mac, a scanner and software. The object of scanning is to convert paper- or film-based pictures or words into digital files on your computer. The files then can be stored, manipulated or used to create another hard copy document.

Basic Two

In almost all cases, you must connect the scanner to a PC. How you do this will depend on the scanner. Most entry-level scanners will connect via USB although some connect via SCSI or FireWire; the latter is more expensive but provides much faster data transfer when scanning large files, while providing higher quality scans. Be sure your PC or Mac has the appropriate ports for the scanner you will purchase.

Basic Three

Two of the main reasons most people may use a scanner is to reproduce an image or document for printing, or to reproduce an image or document for display on a computer screen. The commonest print resolution is 300dpi, which even the cheapest printer these days will produce. For display on computer screens, 72dpi is the acknowledged norm. Almost all scanners on the market today will be able to meet these requirements.