int CharacterCount = 0;

void setup() 
{
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println("\r\rInput Characters Activity:");
  Serial.println();
}

void loop() 
{
  char InputCharacter;

  if (Serial.available() > 0)
  {
    InputCharacter = Serial.read();

    // The if statement is required when using the Serial Console
    // in the Arduino IDE.  This is because of the inclusion of the 
    // Enter key (ASCII - 0x0A) to acknowledge Serial data inputs.

    // Putty receives each character automatically, without the need
    // of the enter key.  Therefore, the if statement is not required.
    if (InputCharacter != 0x0A)
    {
      CharacterCount += 1;
      Serial.print("Input Character: ");
      Serial.print(InputCharacter);
      Serial.print("\tInput Character (ASCII-hex): 0x");
      Serial.print(InputCharacter,HEX);
      Serial.print("\tCharacter Count: ");
      Serial.println(CharacterCount);
    }
  }
}