Expert: LizaL - 3/29/2005

Question
I don't know much about computers. I am thinking about getting a digital camera and am wondering how you get pictures onto a computer from the camera?  Do you need a special program.  I just have a basic Dell laptop.

Answer
Hi Lisa,

This is probably the least of your concerns when getting a digital camera. When you buy your camera, you'll get software that you install on your computer. You'll no doubt also get a cable, probably USB on one end, and the other end might have a special connector that goes into your camera. After you take some pictures, you'll connect one end of the cable to the camera, and the other end to your computer. After opening the software program (and it might open automatically when you connect the camera), you'll be able to import the pictures on to your hard drive.

This is generally a simple process, and the software that comes with your camera will walk you through installing the software, and also the steps for importing your pictures.

So it's not like you have to buy a special program ahead of time -- your camera should come with one.

Have fun buying your camera! Once you do, please post back if you have problems or questions and I'll be happy to help.

Lisa