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Scanners
What is a scanner?
A scanner is a hardware device that scans paper images and converts them to digital data. You can then view and store the image on your computer. Some of these digital images can be edited with various types of software, such as Photoshop. Once in this digital format, these images can be printed, uploaded to websites and sent via email.
Any paper document can be scanned, such as printed text, letters, drawings and photos. Some flat objects, such as coins, can also be scanned into a digital image. Scanners can handle documents of a variety of sizes, everything from business cards to legal-sized paper.
The most common type of scanner is the flatbed scanner. Flatbed scanners look and operate a lot like copiers. You simply open the lid of the scanner, place the document face down on the glass, close the lid and press the scan button. Under the glass there’s a light bar that scans down the length of the document, reading it line by line.
What is a document scanner?
The term document scanner is sometimes used to distinguish this type of scanner from police and radio scanners. You can think of document scanners as being a lot like photocopiers. But instead of a new piece of paper, we wind up with a digital document stored on our computer. Document scanners can also refer to business scanners. They are a durable and reliable device for high-volume scanning, at affordable prices.
Why buy a scanner?
Scanners have a large number of uses, in both home and office settings. Scanning photo prints so that they can be stored on your computer is one of the most popular uses. It’s then easy to share those photos with friends and family. They’re ready to be posted to an online photo album or attached to an email.
Going digital with your documents will save you space. You can cut back on the number of filing cabinets you need. No more overflowing paper trays or stuffed drawers. You won’t waste valuable work time sorting, filing and finding documents.
Cutting back on paper has other benefits as well. You’ll save money because you’ll be buying less paper and using less ink. It doesn’t cost you anything to email a document or upload it to a server. Plus, you’ll be saving some trees in the process!
Yet another reason to store documents digitally is the ability to keep certain information confidential. A password-protected computer file is more effective at controlling document access than a locked cabinet.
With a scanner, you never have to worry that your important documents will be lost or destroyed. As long as you back up your computer’s hard drive, you’ll always have a copy. For instance, you can use your scanner to digitally store a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate and yearly tax returns.
This article was brought to you by Canon New Zealand – Scanners for the Home and Office
