Please bear in mind

[ninkasi]

that I am a complete dummy where computers are concerned. I have an iMac, about 4 years old, and am using OS X 10.3 Panther. My computer has two USB ports, and one is for my printer, the other is for my keyboard & mouse. I want to get a digital camera...is there anything like an adapter which would let me add another USB port, and then place the pictures onto my hard-drive?

Currently, I use an old fashioned 35mm camera, and have it developed as both prints and CD, but the quality is not what I'd like. Be gentle in your answers, because I'm in my 60's, and know that some awesomely computer savvy folks are my age or older, but I'm not one of them.

I just need suggestions as to what to buy to let me use a digital camera and transfer the images into my computer. My printer is HP Officejet 5510, if that helps? If you're 45 or younger, pretend I'm your mom or grandmother, cuz I'm truly lost in cyberspace.

I'm going offline now, to soak in a hot tub and wish I knew something about computers. The vodka martini won't hurt, either.

[democracyindanger]

1. Your printer

only needs to be hooked up to the USB port when you want to use it, so you could free up the port that way. Or, just get a USB hub at Staples or wherever, which expands the number of slots you have available.

As far as cameras go, any digital these days should easily connect and communicate with your computer. Which one you should get depends on what you want to do with it. There are good digital SLRs, but they're spendy in comparison to the point-and-shoot types.

[remfan]

2. USB hub

since it's a 4 yr old iMac, would he need one that's compatible with USB 1.0, or does it matter?

[democracyindanger]

3. I'm pretty sure

you can use 2.0 hubs with 1.0 slots--on my PC I just get a warning that high-speed USB (2.0) will be unavailable, but I can still use the slots as 1.1 USB. But since the iMac is only 4 years old and USB 2.0 was finalized in 2001, I'd bet there's a good chance that her iMac is 2.0 equipped.

[ninkasi]

4. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I love smart people like you!