Can you share a scanner over the network (like you can a printer)?

[LowTeck]

Just wondering if it was possible to share a scanner across the network, just like you would a printer. Does it depend on the scanner?

If it's not possible, how do I share 1 scanner with 2 computers ?

 

[JackMDS]

Most scanners with their Twain interface are not like a Drive, so they can not be shared.

Regular scanners are not computer independent. The computer that the scanner is attached to have to be ON, and you have to be there to put in the material to be scanned. As a result there is not a real advantage to scan through a Network.

You can scan with the original scanning computer, and than transfer the JPG via the Network.

 

[mgpaulus]

You could do a share/attach of a network drive on the second computer, and save all the images to the network drive/share. Then the second computer has the images local and can manipulate them.....

 

[JustinLerner]

No, can't be done on NT4/2000/XP, but maybe on ME (which can display digital cams as network devices.)

There is really no reason for a manufacturer to create the capabilities you want, since anyone scanning a document needs to be at the scanner.

OCR and paper reduction software (forms/database) can distribute the scans automatically to publishing directories or departments. Be prepared to spend extra dollars for such software.

 

[CZroe]

<< There is really no reason for a manufacturer to create the capabilities you want, since anyone scanning a document needs to be at the scanner. >>

I'm sure someone could create a general purpose parallel port redirector 😀

Compatability wouldn't be good for modern two-way devices though (Scanners, etc)

 

[Crab cake]

HP has one. I can't remember the exact model number. It begins with a 7. Search HP's site for it.