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Scanner ABCs
Interfaces
Scanner Functions
Scanner Bit Information
Technical Support
Scanner Interfaces
Scanner definitions

SCANNER ABCs

A scanner is a hardware device used to input text and/or images into the computer. Below is a description and illustration of some of the types of scanners available today.

Flatbed Scanner - The Flatbed scanner, as shown in the below illustration, is one of the most commonly used and most recommended scanners. This scanner allows the user to place a full piece of paper, book, magazine, photo or any other object onto the bed of the scanner and have the capability to scan that object.

While the Flatbed scanner is an excellent recommendation, expect more desk space to be used than any other option as well expect to pay more for the scanner.

Sheetfed - Another commonly used scanner which allows a user to scan pieces of paper into the computer.

While the sheetfed is a less expensive solution when compared to the flatbed scanner, the sheetfed is limited to 400dpi and the available options which can be scanned.

Handheld - Today, not commonly used scanner option and can be difficult to find at stores. The handheld option allows the user to drag over select sections of pages, magazines, books and other objects scanning only sections.

While a very inexpensive solution, it can be tedious to drag the handheld correctly. While scanning, it will be difficult to have a straight scan as well as if it is moved to slow / fast can cause distortion in the image being scanned.

Cardscan - Excellent solution for anyone interested in scanning business cards for record purposes.

While sometimes surprising, the cardscanners can sometimes be an expensive solution for only having the capability to scan business cards.

INTERFACES

Below is a listing of the various types of interfaces used by scanners.

Parallel - Parallel is one of the more commonly used interfaces. Parallel scanners will be connected directly into the back of your computer and have an available pass through port on the back for your computer printer to be connected to.

See our Parallel Page for additional information on the Parallel port.

SCSI - SCSI is another popular connection for scanners. While the SCSI port will be much faster transferring data than a parallel port, it can sometimes be difficult for some users to install a SCSI card into their computer.

See our SCSI Page for additional information on SCSI.

USB - USB is becoming a very popular interface for scanners as it generally allows the user to connect the scanner and be ready to scan in a matter of minutes.

See our USB Page for additional information on USB.

Below is a brief overview explaining generally how a scanner gathers the information and sends it to your computer.

SCANNER BIT INFORMATION

Today, you will find various types of scanners rated by bits, such as 24-bit, 30-bit and 36-bit. This is the indication of how many bits of information per channel the scanner will scan.

SCANNER INTERFACES

Bellow is a listing of different types of computer scanner interfaces.

Firewire
Parallel port
SCSI
Serial port
USB