[hostwindsEvanM]

Won't be able to do this.. CC stuff is tricky. Just use something like Square if really needing to process mobile payments.

[Teh Wallhacks™]

I'd probably recommend Java for this.

It'd be a lot easy to code in and it's also cross platform
Creating the GUI would be a lot easier and so would the program.

[Teh Wallhacks™]

Does Java easily allow interactions with card swiping machines? I know it can be used on devices, but I'd honestly think C++ would be fine for this. Either that or she should buy a card swiping machine setup and just be done with it.

I'm not sure on reading and writing to a magnetic strip with Java, but I was just recommending Java since he has low C++ skills and creating and managing the students data would be easier in a higher level language.

I know a friend who has a card reader and it basically just outputs the cards info to text on the computer.
He could then access a Database/Text File and fine which user that is and pull up the info.

Doing that seems a lot easier to do in a Higher level language.

I'd say just have a static UserID/Serial Number on the card and save the amount of points in the DB instead of trying to write to the card since those cost a lot more then ones that can just read.

[Teh Wallhacks™]

Makes sense ;)
Im pretty knowledgeable in Java, Im just not that good with Java -> DB integration. When I took CS, It had a focus on robotics, so thats what I know how to do :)

So what your saying is:
The Card Stripe (Mag bar) has an implanted ID: Lets say 12345
And the database has a table (users) with the columns: First Last Points
When the card is swiped it requests the amount of points and outputs the First, Last, Points.
(ill just throw in here, the reason she wants a card system is because the kids were stealing each others paper money :\ She works at a pretty poverty stricken public school)
So The Card Is Swiped:
Display Data
Ask: Add Or Remove?
How Many?
Display User Name And new amount.
Sound right to you?
Ill go ahead and start on this, hopefully I can figure it out :\

You would want 4 Columns:

ID | FirstName | LastName | Points

I'd just have a form with a text box and submit button.
Scan the card and it enters it into the text box and hit submit.
When you hit submit it submits a query and checks for that ID, if isn't an ID that is already submitted, have it spit an error out or have it ask if she would like to add it to the DB.
Have some buttons next to the Students Info for adding, subtracting and updating student info

Also, you could just use a student name system and not even use cards
Saves money and work, and prevents cards from being stolen/lost

Feel free to PM me, I have nothing better to do :P
I might be able to help a bit if you want

[Teh Wallhacks™]

perfect :D
Now: Im not sure if she has internet at work, so is there a way I can do an offline DB?

Do you have a skype or something I could contact you with?
It's a lot easier to talk