Basic scanning questions, need advise!

[Anonymous]

I have a few pictures of my dad from the koren war I would like to save, print for sibilings.
The photos are in great shape. Here are my questions..
I don't have access to up to date equipment. All my scanning needs have been taken to the local Eckard drug store. They are a new store and have uptodate equipment. I was dissapointed with a picture they scanned. It was not as sharp as the original. Is this an intrinsic element with scanning that cannot be avoided?
I have been using a 166mhz computer dealing with all my digital photos, and does a good job. Will this be up to task with the right software to do any touch ups that is needed? What would be a good software package that would run on this machine?
Thank you, Brian

 

[Anonymous]

That is if the person using it sets it up right. Scan it at hight res, maybe 600 or more, and you will get great copy's. The files will be pretty big but the pictures will be sharp.
Scanning for the PC can be done pretty low but for pictures, scan high. I have scanned some small stuff, coins and jewelry, at 1200 and then I can blow them up. Very sharp.
That is the way I do it but others probably know more than I do but don't seem to want to answer you. This is a strange forum