Using Your Scanner in Linux

Tutorial for installing and using document scanners in Linux.

Steve Smith, host of your Technology Questions Answered, demonstrates the installation procedure and usage manner of document scanners and Ubuntu 11.04.

Episode #1-33 released on May 15, 2011

Watch on Youtube

Welcome to another episode of your Technology Questions Answered. This week, I'll demonstrate the fastest and easiest method to getting a document scanner to cooperate with your Ubuntu 11.04 operating system. I'd also like to talk about changes to my web-site and and I have a personal request of all my viewers.

Web-site Updates

We are in the process of serious interface changes of our web-site, so while the overall design will remain the same, the navigate has been slightly differed for easier navigation. We also swapped our youtube video boxes for Podtrac players, this will ensure that as long as we are online, the player will function. You can also watch or listen to our current episode from any page by clicking the watch now button on the podcast bookmark.

My Personal Request

As part of getting to know the people that listen to my show, I'd like to invite all my viewers and listeners to spend 5 minutes and complete a Listener survey, which can be done anonymously. It will help me to target my topics more accurately and make my content more appealing to all of you, as a whole. It will also allow myself and Podtrac to decide which sponsors are best for my show. I'd like to thank all of you, in advance. who take the time to fill out my listener survey. You can access the survey by heading over to www.zedaxis.net, and clicking the Listener Survey link in the podcast bookmark on the left.

Installation Procedure

To install the necessary software and make your scanner work you'll need to follow a few instructions first. The name of the software we are going to use is called XSane Image Scanning Program. It's been around since 1998.

  1. Click the maginify glass with the plus sign
  2. Open Ubuntu Software Center
  3. Search for XSane Image Scanning Program
  4. Click on XSame Image Scanning Program
  5. Install XSame Image Scanning Program
  6. Plug in Scanner

Scanning Procedure

To scan a picture once the software is installed, you only need to follow a few more instuctions to get everything working.

  1. Open XSame Image Scanning Program via the Magnify glass with Plus Sign Icon in Unity Bar
  2. Select Scanner Desired for Use
  3. Select Type of File to Save
  4. Select Parametres of Scan desired
  5. Click Scan

You've now scanned an image for the first time in Ubuntu 11.04.

Troubleshooting may depend on type of scanner, so go to Ubuntu Forums or contact me for more precise troubleshooting techniques. For instance, our CanoScan 3000F refused to work, but our Canon MP560 worked better than perfect, it was detected by USB and Network.

Request for Private Sponsorships

For anyone that would love to help myself continue upgrading the quality of the show, I'd like to invite you to purchase our unique gear and apparel, they also make great gifts. You can visit our online store by going to www.cafepress.ca/zedaxis. You may also donate to our podcast, any amount you wish by sending it to our paypal account, the account address is tqa at zedaxis.net.

Final Speech

I'd like to thank you for listening to this week's episode of your Technology Questions Answered. Next week, we talk about scanning for Windows viruses from Linux. A better, safer way of getting rid of annoying viruses. Don't forget to subscribe to our show, stay tuned for next week's episode on May 22. Stay safe and online. Have a great weekend!

Host : Steve Smith | Music : Jonny Lee Hart | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Productions

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