These scanners emit laser beams that read bar codes. Recently, microcomputers have become powerful tools for many businesses that, when networked together, have replace minicomputers and in some cases mainframes and information tools. MICR Readers are normally used to read the encoded information within the ink on a check. All stations share the same hard disk and may share other devices such as printers. A portable data collector is normally a temporary storage device that gathers information and downloads data into a main or central computer.
Programmable keyboards allow keys to represent special departments, functions, product, etc.
Often used when high performance and speed to reading bar codes is critical. In most cases, in personal computers, serial data is passed through as RS232 serial interface port. The card is inserted into a device that can read and write to it updating information appropriately. Solenoids have different voltages and are integrated into the cash drawer dependent on the printer they are interfaced to. The ribbon deposits a coating of dark material on the paper when exposed to intense heat.