7. A data collection system comprising: a data collection terminal having an encoded information reader device, the data collection terminal responsive to configuration data expressed in an extensible markup language for configuring operation of the data collection terminal; and a computer spaced apart from the data collection terminal that uses an existing extensible markup language document to create a data entry screen to receive desired parameter settings for the data collection terminal within data entry fields, combines the extensible markup language document with the desired parameter settings to create configuration data expressed in an extensible markup language, and initiates a transfer of the configuration data to said data collection terminal.
7. A data collection system comprising: a data collection terminal having an encoded information reader device, the data collection terminal responsive to configuration data expressed in an extensible markup language for configuring operation of the data collection terminal; and a computer spaced apart from the data collection terminal that uses an existing extensible markup language document to create a data entry screen to receive desired parameter settings for the data collection terminal within data entry fields, combines the extensible markup language document with the desired parameter settings to create configuration data expressed in an extensible markup language, and initiates a transfer of the configuration data to said data collection terminal. 39. The data collection system of claim 7 , wherein said encoded information reader device is selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader device, an RFID reader device, and a card reader device.