Types Of Scanners

Flatbed

The most popular type of scanner in homes today is the flatbed scanner. Flatbed scanners look something like a small copy machine, with a pane of glass upon which you lay papers, books, or any other object that you wish to scan.

Sheet-Fed

Also common are sheet-fed scanners, which are excellent for scanning large numbers of loose, individual sheets, but cannot handle bound documents.
handheld
The third type of scanner is the hand-held scanner, which is capable of scanning two to five inches at a time. While useful for scanning small images or passages of text, they are difficult to manipulate when capturing whole pages.
Another important distinction between scanners concerns how they connect to the computer. Scanners can connect in three different ways: USB, parallel, or SCSI interfaces. While USB and parallel interface scanners are easier to install, SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy") interfaces can provide scans at three to ten times the speed.

Scanner Installation

Begin by unpacking the contents of the box and make sure everything you need is present. At the very least, the box should contain the scanner and instruction manual. Because installation instructions can vary across manufacturers, and even from model to model, be sure to read through your manual before you start to make sure there are no specific directions you will need to follow.

1. Remove all packing material from the body of the scanner. This may include tape, screws, or foam used to keep non-stationary parts of the scanner from moving during shipping. A list of what needs to be removed should have been included in the box.

2. If you have a SCSI interface, you should have a SCSI interface card and cable. These items either came with the scanner or were purchased separately. You will need to install the SCSI card in your computer before doing anything else--follow the manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: if you already have another SCSI device connected to your computer you will not have to install the card.

Up to seven SCSI devices can be daisy-chained together. This means that you can connect the first directly to your computer, the second device to the first, and so on, though each device must have a unique identification number and the end of the chain must be properly terminated. Instructions provided by the manufacture should guide you in setting this up.

3. If you have a parallel interface scanner and you also have a parallel printer, you may need to purchase an A/B printer switch. The switch plugs into the parallel port on your computer and allows you to operate both printer and scanner through the same port by turning the switch either automatically or manually.

4. If you have a USB interface and you have already filled the USB ports on your computer, you can purchase a hub. Plug the hub into one of the USB ports on your PC and then plug additional USB ports into the hub.

5. Make sure the power on the PC is turned off before connecting any devices to your computer. Connect the scanner cable to the proper port on your computer and make sure it is either locked or screwed into place. Connect the other end of the cable to the scanner itself.

6. Connect the power cable to the scanner, then plug it in.

7. Turn on the scanner, then turn on your computer. When your computer starts up, Windows should detect the new device you have connected and ask if you want to locate the drivers for it. A driver is a program that allows your computer to communicate properly with your scanner and was probably included on a disk included with your scanner. If Windows does not recognize the scanner and offers to install the proper drivers, you may need to run a specific installation program provided by the manufacturer in order for it to work properly. Installation instructions vary greatly between manufacturers and even between models, so read the installation instructions included with your manual to determine how to proceed.

Care and Maintenance

To ensure the highest quality scans, you will want to be sure to keep the glass in your scanner clean. Avoid using commercial glass cleaners since they can contain abrasives which will scratch the surface, or wax that can leave smudges and smears behind. If the price of a professional-quality lens cleaner is too expensive, you can make your own solution by combining the following:

1 drop of dish soap
4 ounces of water
1/2 ounce of rubbing alcohol
If your scanner glass has a protective coating on it (check your manual), leave out the alcohol. Apply the solution with a clean cloth or paper towel and allow to dry. You can clean the outside of your scanner with a damp cloth.

Additionally, you should also regularly check the manufacturer's website for driver updates. These updates contain fixes to minor bugs in the original software and will improve the performance of your scanner. Most manufacturers provide free notification of driver updates, either by mail or via the Internet, when you register your scanner.