What functionality does a scanner provide?

The scanner's primary functionality is to convert physical documents, images, and various types of printed material into digital format, which allows them to be stored, edited, and shared easily on a computer. When you scan articles, photos, and business cards, the scanner captures the visual information and transforms it into a digital file, typically in formats like JPEG or PDF. This capability is essential for digitizing records, preserving important documents, and facilitating easy access to information.

The other options reflect functionalities that do not align with what a scanner does. For example, connecting computers to the internet involves networking capabilities rather than scanning. Improving the clarity of printed documents pertains to printing technology and editing processes, which are unrelated to the scanning process. Lastly, encryption for secure sharing is a function of software or security programs rather than a physical device like a scanner, which focuses on capturing and converting images rather than handling data security.