David-

>I have a client who has requested barcodes on his packing slips(which will print from the VFP program I'm designing). The barcode will represent the order number generated with each order.
>
>Does anyone have any recommendations for how to go about this? Do I need to download a barcode font for this, or is there some kind of FoxPro function or ActiveX control I can use to produce barcodes? If I need to download a barcode font or ActiveX control, is there anything available for free (freeware barcode fonts or ActiveX controls)?

As others have noted, Code 39 (a.k.a. 3 of 9) is a good choice of symbology for your application. (Ref: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/imteclabels/whichbarcode.html) A free one that uses the asterisk method mentioned is available thru the following link: http://www.infohio.org/downloads/fonts/.

Note that not all barcode fonts are free, of acceptible quality, and 3of9 isn't appropriate for all applications.