Whether you want to create a scrapbook or convert prints into digital photos, a scanner can help you do the job.

Just scan it! Top Tips for Using a Scanner

Placing the image on the scanner To scan your prints on a flatbed scanner, lift the lid and place the photo on the glass bed, image-side down. There will likely be arrows on the scanning bed to indicate exactly where you should place the photo. Anchor the picture on a corner so it will be less likely to move.

Saving your photo Once you've scanned your photo, save it in a folder on your hard drive (such as My Pictures in Microsoft Windows XP) or to a CD or Zip disk. You can select the format (.jpg or .tif) using the scanner's TWAIN software.

Adjusting your image You can make adjustments to the photo (sharpening or cropping, or adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance) using most scanning software or an image-editing program.

Choosing a scanner It's best to use a standalone, flatbed scanner to scan your pictures because if one function in an all-in-one breaks, the whole machine might be out of commission.  If you want to scan slides or negatives, then purchase a flatbed scanner that comes with a special component or attachment.

To learn more about what type of scanner best suits your needs and how to use it go here.

Want to add your favorite programs to the Start menu?

From the Start menu, click All Programs. Locate a favorite program, right-click the program’s icon, and then click Pin to Start menu. That’s it.

You can also pin an application by dragging and dropping its icon from All Programs to the Start menu. The program is now “pinned” to your Start menu.

To remove it, right-click the program icon on the Start menu and then click Unpin from Start menu.