barcode recognition and drawing in VB.NET

[my_lou]

i need to have barcode reading/drawing functionality in my VB.NET windows application. i have this scanner here, but ive never messed with stuff like that before so i am kind of in the dark about how to handle this whole thing. anyway, i had a question:

i assume the scanner comes with some sort of scannig software for reading barcodes, but id like to be able to read barcodes directly from my VB.NET app, so the question is: can i use the software that comes with the scanner in my VB.NET app or do i have to have some kind of different software (like User control maybe), or do i have to code it my self or what?

also, for drawing id like to avoid using any third party tools since they cost money. is there any free solution?

thanks much.

 

[Robby]

Did you install any fonts for the scanner?

If do, place a textbox on a form, gain focus on it and scan a barcode, thats it.

 

[techmanbd]

Basicaly how the scanner works is that it scans the barcode, encodes the barcode to ascii code and sends it through the serial port, or usb depending how new you get the scanner to the computer.

 

[Jay1b]

Most of the time the scanner sends the same signals as a keyboards, so no need for special programming.