What is a computer used to collect, store, and report all the information of a sales transaction called?

A computer that is used to collect, store, and report all the information of a sales transaction is referred to as a point-of-sale terminal. This system is primarily designed for retail environments where sales transactions occur. It integrates hardware (like registers and scanners) with software that handles sales data, inventory management, and customer information effectively.

The point-of-sale terminal captures essential details such as the items purchased, the price, payment method, and can also apply discounts and handle returns. Furthermore, it generates receipts and tracks sales over time, providing valuable data analytics for business reporting and inventory control.

This functionality distinguishes the point-of-sale terminal from others like a sales register, which traditionally just recorded sales without the extensive processing capabilities or real-time data integration that a modern point-of-sale system offers. Similarly, a transaction processor is more about managing the flow of transactions rather than interfacing directly with customers in a retail environment. An inventory system, while related to tracking stock levels and product details, does not directly handle sales transactions themselves in the same integrated manner as a point-of-sale terminal does.