How To Upload Pictures From A Digital Camera

Until you know how to upload pictures from your digital camera, that expensive piece of technology is only a prop. Unfortunately, most cameras have instruction manuals the size of a Tolstoy novel, and include software that's unnecessarily complex, or just plain unnecessary. If that sounds like your camera, you can ignore all that and use the tools built into your computer's operating system to upload pictures quickly and hassle-free.

You will need:

• Digital camera
• Computer with USB port
• USB cable

1. Connect the camera. Find the USB port on your digital camera. It may be cleverly hidden under a rubber flap, or otherwise disguised. Connect the USB cord to your camera and your computer.
2. Turn on the camera. Both Windows and Macintosh computers will recognize the digital camera. In Windows, browse to "My Computer", and double-click your camera icon to open its memory card. In OS X, an icon will appear on your desktop. Tip: If a prompt appears in Windows, select "Open folder to view files," which will take you straight to your camera's memory card.
3. Locate the pictures. Most cameras keep pictures inside a folder labeled "DCIM", though not every digital camera uses the same organization. If there is no "DCIM" folder, open each folder on the camera's memory card until you locate the image files. 
4. Upload pictures to your hard drive. Drag the entire folder to your hard drive, or select and move pictures individually. Tip: In Windows, hold the "Ctrl" key and click to select multiple files.
5. Name and organize the pictures. The filenames will look something like "IMG_337," and depending on your camera, may be oriented incorrectly. Right click a picture ("Ctrl" + click on a Mac) and select "Rename" to name the image. Double-click a picture to open it and access the orientation controls.