What exactly do I need in order to scan anything? I have a Dell Photo 926 with "scan" as an option. I am computer illiterate and know absolutely nothing further than it is an option on my printer's list of options. I would like to learn to scan things. Thank you for any reply.

Did you try reading the manual? Generally, all you need do is place a document in the scanner and press the scan button. A software program should open on your PC that prompts you with details about what you are scanning. The software should walk you through preforming the scan and saving it as a file on your PC. Just note where the file is being stored.

Here is you manual:

Dell Photo 926

Just click download when you arrive at the page, I pre-downloaded it myself and it informs how to scan everything using your 926.