Tip #1: Organizing Image Files

Most of the time I use a scanner to make my pictures for auction, but this tip will work for digital cameras as well. Since I make lots of pictures way ahead of time, I have about 600 stored on my hard drive at any one time. Instead of just creating new names and designations and then having to go in a clean out my documents, I use only numbers one through six hundred. I took Post-It Notes, 3 X 3 inch size, and cut them into 1.5 inch strips so that each has the sticky part at the top and numbered them carefully in black ink. When I make a picture, it gets a number plus .jpg. And the post-it note goes on the item.

When the item is sold or otherwise removed from my inventory, I remove the post-it and reuse that number. My system asks me if I want to replace a document. I say yes, and the new picture appears in the old space. I never use names or letters as they are so easily forgotten or mistyped. The three-digit number is quick and easy, and if one of the Postit tags gets tattered or loses its grip, I just replace it. I keep a basket on my desk for putting the tags that are ready for reuse. If you have pictures for different uses, you can add a letter designation and they will fall into order in your documents file.

Tip #2: Protecting Your Scanner

Since I use my scanner a lot, I went to the hardware store and purchased a thick pliable plastic to put over the glass to keep it clean and free of scratches. You can also use Plexiglas and attach it with two-sided tape at the corners. Cut either kind of protector about 1.5 inches bigger all around than your scanner's glass face. Clean the glass before your place the protector on it.

To be sure that the pliable plastic goes on smoothly, be sure it is warm, and roll it into place rubbing it down with a clean, dry cloth. If there are tiny bubbles, run the scanner through without anything in place and see if they show. Mine always has a few tiny bubbles, but they don't show up during scanning.

Both types of protectors are easy to clean with glass cleaner and are easily and cheaply replaced. If your hardware store doesn't have this pliable plastic, the local fabric store will.