How to Hook Up a Barcode Scanner to a Laptop

Bar code scanners are used to make sales and take inventory for retail stores, and in most cases are attached to a desktop computer. You can also connect your bar code scanner to a laptop computer for portability.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PS/2-to-USB converter (if necessary)

1. Determine the input on your bar code scanner. If the scanner cord ends in a rectangular plug, it is a USB input device; if it is round, it is a PS/2 input.

2. If necessary, connect the PS/2-to-USB converter to the end of the cord.

3. Plug the cord into a USB port on your laptop computer.

4. Wait for the computer to detect the hardware and install it. When you see a notice in the bottom corner of your screen, the bar code scanner will be ready to use. You may have to manually install software bundled with the scanner.

5. After installation, you can use your bar code scanner with any compatible computer program.