How to Share a USB Scanner

Sharing a USB scanner allows different computers, on the same network to use the scanner without really being connected to it physically. The process of sharing a USB scanner is slightly complicated and it requires a network sharing device from a third party. The process can be completed online or you can do it from a CD which you will have to buy. A few simple steps can have your computers linked together sharing the same scanner.

Things You'll Need

• Computer network with active internet connection
• Windows XP or Vista, Mac, Linux or equivalent operating system
• USB scanner

Instructions

1. Log on to the internet using the computer which has a USB scanner connected to it. Search for a website which will allow you to download their software for sharing a scanner free of charges. Connect to the website and click on the "Download' button". On the window that will appear, select "Server" and wait for the download to be completed.

2. Open the file and select "Run" on the "Windows Security" window. You will be asked for administrator permission. Provide it. On the next window, select the language and click on "Next". Agree to the license agreement, follow the instructions of the installation wizard and at the end click "Finish".

3. Go to the same website and click the "Download" button to install the scanner sharing software. Make sure you are on another computer which is on the same network but is not connected directly to the scanner. Select 'Client' and wait for the server to complete the download.

4. Open the file, select ":Run" on the "Windows Security" window and follow the instructions of the installation wizard. On completion of the installation of the "USB Network Client" folder, click "Finish".

5. Perform steps 3 and 4 on all the computers on the same network.

6. Go back to the first computer to which the scanner is connected. Select the scanner icon and click on the "Share" button that appears on the top left hand corner of the window.

7. On each of the other computers, open the "USB Network Client" folder and click on the scanner icon. Press the "Connect" button and all your computers will have remote access to the scanner.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a reputed third party provider. Read the license agreement carefully.

• To install the software from a CD, insert it into the optical drive and follow the instructions.

• Downloading from a website is easier and cheaper than installing from a CD.

References

• Global Resources Directory
• Neuro Technology