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Smart cards are credit card sized devices with electronic memory, used for a variety of reasons. Some possible uses for a smart card system are: medical records, tracking and storing digital funds, and controlling a network of identification cards.
Smart card readers are then used to “read” the information stored in the cards on an individual level or on a business level. These electronic devices are designed to hook up to a computer. They are then used to read the interface between the computer and the chip in any smart card. The two sides—card and computer—are then able to communicate with one another. The smart card reader will actually read the chips in the smart card to view the information stored within it.
As a personal use device, a smart card reader can make online shopping that much more secure. Once the smart card is installed into the reader, the user will enter an access code. When the card and reader both accept the code, only then will the information be released from the consumer to the retailer. Some smart card providers are even looking into and offering their customers the chance to actually download features on the card. A “smart” smart card user will invest
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