| Scanners
Other
Considerations
Software Bundles
Almost all scanners come bundled with different types of scanning
software. Though bundles vary by scanner and price, packages usually
include a driver program, color calibration software, and applications
like OCR or image-editing programs. Driver programs enable the computer
and scanner to communicate and operate off of an industry standard
known as TWAIN.
For
color calibration programs and other applications such as OCR be
sure to check the software versions. Manufacturers sometimes bundle
bare bones software packages that force you to upgrade in order
to take advantage of the full potential of the program. With the
right software, a scanner can also double as a copier or fax machine.
Manufacturers usually offer different types of bundles - be selective
and choose the package that best meets your scanning needs.
Connections
and Requirements
Don't forget about your computer when choosing scanners, as the
requirements of certain scanners could exceed the capabilities of
your machine. For example, you'd be stuck when your scanner needs
64MB RAM and your computer only has 32MB. Also consider the ports
on your computer and what connections are required by a scanner.
Most
scanners can be connected by USB, SCSI, or parallel ports, but there
is a definite speed difference among the three. SCSI and USB ports
are much faster than the more common parallel port. If your computer
doesn't have a SCSI or USB connection, you might want to consider
purchasing an adapter card to keep the traffic from scanner to computer
running smoothly.
Automatic
Document Feeders
If you are planning on using your scanner for large data entry projects,
an automatic document feeder (ADF) should be high on the list of
required add-ons. ADFs substitute for manually scanning individual
pages.
If
data entry is your intended use for a scanner, also inquire about
scanning speed and whether OCR software is bundled with the machine.
Another interesting add-on is a transparency adapter which enables
the scanner to read transparencies and film negatives.
Copyright
Issues
Deciding the legalities of making digital reproductions can often
be a thorny issue. If you plan on scanning images or materials that
were not produced by your business, you should look into copyright
rules and regulations. For more on copyright information, check
out Copyright Concerns in our Articles section.
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