The photos themselves are then stored within the camera\'s memory and the next step is to transfer them to a computer. Originally the only way to transfer images to a computer was via a cable link between the camera and the computer\'s serial port.\r\n\r\nCables are normally supplied with cameras together with software that can be loaded onto a personal that grants the transfer to take place. This method has two main drawbacks. First the rate of transfer is very slow and secondly the number of photos that could be stored in the camera at any given time was limited.\r\n\r\nNow there are two standard methods for transferring the images that are far better to the original solution. The simplest and fastest method is by using a cable connect your camera to your personal USB port. Then using software provided with the camera, a few mouse clicks later and the photos are loaded. In fact to make the loading even more straight forward, a series of USB card readers are now available.\r\n\r\nNot all computers have USB functionality and if this is the case then you\'ll need to use a card reader. These are also attached to the personal. Again all you have to do is load the card into the reader and upload the pictures.\r\n\r\nIf you need to purchase a card reader make sure you purchase a reader that is compatible with the storage media that you are using. Although there are some readers that will read more than one type of card you need to ensure, for example, that if you use Smart Media cards then you will need a Smart Media reader.\r\n\r\nIf you\'ve a more basic model camera, then the pictures may be in the camera\'s built-in memory (rather than on a storage card), you can only download them to the personal via serial cable–which as we said at the top can be pretty slow can be pretty slow. Therefore we advocate that you include this as one of the key points in making decision as to what camera to purchase.\r\n\r\nCard readers are available at around $15.\r\n\r\n

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