For every new digital photographer, getting the pictures out of the camera is always a big challenge. Some people are so daunted by this, they either leave the pictures in there or stop using the camera altogether. But downloading your images from a digital camera can be done in a few easy steps.

• Decide where the pictures will live on your computer. Most computers come pre-built with a Pictures file in My Documents. If not, simply create a new folder for pictures.

• Your camera should have come with a cable to connect it to the camera. The connection for this cable can be found behind a rubber flap. With your computer turned ON, simply lift the flap, connect the cable and plug the other end of the cable into the back of your computer. Then turn your camera ON.

• One of two things will happen next. Either your computer will automatically launch a program (called a wizard) to download your pictures or nothing at all will happen.

1. • If a wizard is launched, simply follow the instructions to download your pictures. Remember to check the box “delete pictures from device after saving.”

1. • If nothing happens after plugging in your camera, go to My Computer and search for your camera among the devices listed. Double click the camera’s icon to open the file with your pictures. Then simply highlight all of the pictures you find there and drag them into your “pictures” file from step 1. After copying the pictures onto your computer, you can delete the pictures frlom your camera.

Many computers now come with a slot for camera Compact Flash or SD memory cards. If you have such a computer, the download process is even simpler. Turn off your camera, remove your camera’s memory card and insert it into your computer. Then proceed with step 3.