Before buy a scanner make certain your computer system meets all the requirements for the scanner
. Most scanners require a windows computer with at least a 200MHZ.processor. The amount of rom that is on your computer is also very important.
Using a scanner and image editor is memory intensive for a computer .Make certain your computer System has at least 32mb of ram by meeting all the system requirements for the image editor. So you dont have any trouble running and controlling a scanner. Most scanners today you plug in the SCSI and the software so the scanner and your computer can work together once that is done you are set to scan you images.
Scanner that uses a SCSI interface is better than one using a proprietary interface .That can only be uses with one device.
ASCSI scanner request more work to install then a parallel scanner. The first thing to do is read the manual before you install software or hardware. Follow the directions so you can install the software that came with your scanner. Installing a scanner is very easy to do just take your time and it will happen. You will love having a flatbed scanner at home. You can do so many things with a scanner. Dont let the installing get you down.
When everything is up and runnings do a few test scans turn on the scanner before turning on your computer you want to make certain the scanner is working with the software correctly.
You just plug and play connection they is no need to restart your computer after installing .You will have fewer conflicts with other system devices and much faster data transmission rate.
The U.S.B. scanner lets you share a scanner between different computers to do this. Make sure both the scanner and your computer have the USB capability.
Parallel port scanner they may be slower to scan using a SCSI card, but they are very easy to install/ Parallel port has a big an advantage.
When it not possible to install a SCSI card, like a laptop or when there is port interface. The disadvantage of the parallel port is speed and that it has to share one parallel port between the printer and the scanner.
The manual is probably the best source of information you will have. Some manufacturers include accessories to make the installation easier. Some will have a book that explains color scanning in more detail.