Barcode Scanning

Do I need special software to scan barcodes?

Most scanners come with either a keybord wedge (a Y-shaped cable that connects the scanner, the keyboard and the computer) or USB. In both cases the scanner pretends to act like a keyboard. This means that everything you scan is sent to the computer as if entered on the keyboard. With modern computers / operating systems dedicated software or drivers are not required.

A good introduction into the various forms of barcode scanners can be found here.

See also the other questions in the FAQ section on barcode scanning.

Back to the main FAQ index.