First you must have a computer that will be able to handle your new purchase.

So if you have a 486/SX33 with 8Mb or Ram or Mac with 68030 processor and

8 Mb or Ram don't even think about it. It just won't work. (Get a new computer first).

In order to run a scanner at a pretty good speed you will need a fast system with a lot of Ram and a lot of free hard drive space.

There is three types of flatbed scanners currently being offered:

1) Parallel Port

2) SCSI

3) USB

What is the difference ???

First Parallel port scanner is usually very easy to hook up, just connect included cable to the back of your system, install software and you up and scanning. Doesn't sounds so bad does it ??? No, but parallel port scanner are much slower than SCSI ones, sometimes 2-3 times slower, also parallel port scanner will NOT work on a Mac.

SCSI scanner, is much faster, but it requires more time to install.

First unless you a Mac user you will need to install a SCSI card(usually one will come with your new scanner).

That will require your to open your system, find a free ISA or PCI slot, depending on a type of SCSI card you are going to use, install the card, drivers, software for the scanner and you up and scanning.

Now USB scanners, this is a newest entry in the scanning field. This scanner is as easy to install as Parallel one, but it will work faster then SCSI scanner. In order to use USB Scanner, you will need to have Win 98 and a computer that supports USB interface. Most new computers sold today will have 1 or 2 USB connectors.

USB Scanners have very limited Mac support. More should be available in a near future.

Now do you know what the specifications your scanner should have ???

First answer this question.

What are you going to use your scanner for ???

1. I don't know yet, but I am sure I can find something to do with it after I get it.

2. I am a home computer user, I need the scanner to scan pictures and put it up on my web site.

3. I am a small business owner, and I want to eliminate the paper, i want to scan things in and store them for future use. I also need good OCR program so I can scan text in to my documents.

4. I am a graphics designer, I need scanner to do my work.

If you want easy to use, one touch technology Parallel Port scanner, here is your best choice Visioneer PaperPort OneTouch 7600.

If you want USB Scanner make sure to look at Visioneer PaperPort 6100 USB or Visioneer PaperPort OneTouch 7600 USB.

Now if you want a SCSI Scanner check out Umax Astra Series Scanners.

You will probably want a 36 bit scanner with 600*1200 Dpi hardware resolution. Also you will need to get a good OCR program such as Xerox Textbridge Pro. Or if you want to use the scanner to free your self from take all that clutter that covers your desk and turn it into searchable, usable, copy and images to share with others, then serch no more. The best product on the market is PaperPort Deluxe 6.0.

You will also want a scanner that comes with a transparency adapter to scan slides and negatives.

You may also want a fastest scanner in its class.