Configure scanner

Scanning is done with the xsane program, which automatically detects the scanner and uses the correct drivers. Not all scanners will work with linux. For a list of scanners and their compatibility with linux, see the Sane Project list of supported devices.

Ubuntu

Xsane is already installed on our Dapper boxes.

FreekBox 3

USB

Configuring a USB scanner is a matter of installing the sane scanner drivers and a scanning program.

The following list will work:

• xsane
• libsane
• libsane-extras
• sane
• sane-utils

to install them:

• open a terminal
• become root
• type:
  • apt-get update
  • apt-get install xsane libsane libsane-extras sane sane-utils

remember to put yourself in the scanner group (edit /etc/group as root)

to start using the scanner

• connect the power to the scanner
• connect the USB cord to the scanner and the CPU
• start the xsane program (KDE menu)

Problems

• Make sure the scanner is supported by sane
• Make sure the lock is disengaged (not all scanners have a lock, but the best ones do)
• Let the scanner warm up and try it again
• Unplug the scanner's power and plug it back in and try again
• Check to see if the power supply is good (and the right voltage/amperage)
  • It is generally a good idea to have some "known good" power supplies on hand for initial testing.