Maybe you want to digitize all your old film prints or slides. Or you want a way to file your printed documents electronically. Or maybe macro photography is a passion, but you lack a camera. If you’re looking to turn tangible matter into an electronic form, a scanner will do wonders. Whether you’ve got a flatbed or film scanner, here’s how to connect it to your computer and set it up for whatever type of use you desire.
Step One
Install the software drivers and scanning software that came with your scanner, if needed—you can also download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. You don’t need to install all the third-party applications most scanners come bundled with image-editing software and other graphics applications.
Step Two
Restart your computer.
Step Three
Depending on your scanner’s available ports, connect your scanner to either your computer’s USB or FireWire port.
Step Four
Turn on your scanner.