Barcode scanners can help you manage your inventory and assets, and come in three types: serial scanners connect into a computer's serial port via a serial cable; USB scanners plug into a USB port; and PS/2 scanners plug into a computer's PS/2 port, the port normally used for keyboards, using a PS/2 cable adapter that enables you to plug both the scanner and your keyboard into the port. The barcode scanner is shipped with drivers and other software, so that you can fully utilize the device.
Install USB Barcode Scanner
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Step 1
Plug one end of the included USB cable into the barcode scanner, and then plug the other end into a free USB port on the computer.
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Step 2
Insert the installation CD or DVD that shipped with the device into your computer's CD/DVD drive.
Step 3
Click the "Install" option and follow the prompts to install the barcode scanner, including drivers and a barcode application.
Step 4
Mount the barcode scanner and secure it in place with brackets or screws, if required. Skip this step if you have a hand-held scanner.
Step 5
Open the barcode scanning application that shipped with your scanner.
Step 6
Scan a barcode label to test your device. When the barcode is scanned, the numbers under the barcode on the label should appear in the application window.
Install PS/2 Barcode Scanner
Step 1
Power down the computer and unplug the keyboard from the machine.
Step 2
Plug the barcode scanner's PS/2 connector into the PS/2 port on the computer. Some PS/2 barcode scanners have a pass-through port for you to use for your keyboard. If your barcode scanner does not have a pass-through port, purchase a PS/2 cable adapter to split the PS/2 port for use with both the barcode scanner and the keyboard.
Step 3
Plug the keyboard into the pass-through port on the barcode scanner or the PS/2 cable adapter, depending on which method you're using.
Step 4
Power on and boot up the computer. Insert the software installation disc that shipped with your barcode scanner into the CD/DVD drive. The installation routine launches.
Step 5
Click the "Install" option and follow the prompts to install the barcode scanner, including drivers and a barcode application.
Step 6
Mount the barcode scanner, securing it in place with brackets or screws, if required. Skip this step if you have a hand-held scanner.
Step 7
Open the barcode scanning application on the computer.
Step 8
Scan a barcode label to test your device. When the barcode is scanned, the numbers under the barcode on the label should appear in the application window.
Install Serial Barcode Scanner
Step 1
Power down the computer, and then plug the serial cable into the scanner, if it is not permanently attached to the unit.
Step 2
Plug the power supply into the scanner, and then plug the power cord into an outlet.
Step 3
Plug the barcode scanner's male serial cable into the female serial port on the computer. The serial port has either nine or 16 pinholes. Screw the attached serial port screws into the computer's serial port to secure the cable.
Step 4
Power on the computer. Insert the installation disc for the scanner into the CD/DVD drive in order to launch the installation routine.
Step 5
Click the "Install" button to install the drivers and software.
Step 6
Mount the barcode scanner, securing it in place with brackets or screws, if required. Skip this step if you have a hand-held scanner.
Step 7
Open the barcode scanning application on the computer.
Step 8
Scan a barcode label to test your device. When the barcode is scanned, the numbers under the barcode on the label should appear in the application window.