Intermec 6100 Reference Guide

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Pen Windows, properly known as, Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing, is an

extensions of the base Windows environment.  It provides support for the pen as

an input device.  Generally speaking, Pen Windows is not a prerequisite for usĆ

ing a stylus as a navigation tool or for ink" capture.  The pen extensions are acĆ

tually needed only when the ink must be translated into machineĆreadable text

characters.

Pen Windows adds only a few files to the standard Windows configuration.  Basic

added functionality includes enabling pen input for nonĆpenĆaware applications,

and handwriting recognition (see below).  The manufacturer of penĆbased hardĆ

ware devices may supply Pen Windows to users, although Pen Windows is not

available to end users by itself from Microsoft or OEMs.  The assumption is, if

you need pen support, you also need the hardware".  While true for end users,

this policy can be a frustrating CatchĆ22 for programmers who may need to start

development of penĆbased applications, but do not have a penĆenabled developĆ

ment system.  There are several inexpensive peripheral devices available from

third parties that add pen input to desktop systems and are delivered with Pen

Windows.  One of these devices is CIC's Handwriter for Windows.