How to Convert Serial to USB

Converting Serial to USB

1. Obtain a serial-to-USB adapter. These are found easily at your local computer store and online. Make sure the serial end of the adapter meets your needs--it should be either male or female. Most users will probably benefit from a male serial adapter, as it emulates the serial port normally found on the rear of the computer.

2. Install the proper drivers. Because serial is an older technology, it is not necessarily instantly compatible with USB. If your serial device needs drivers to operate, install them now. If your USB to serial converter cable came with drivers, download or install them now according to the included instructions.

3. Attach your device. Plug in the adapter to a free USB port and the other end to the serial connector from your serial device. If the drivers are installed properly, your operating system should detect it right away, just like a USB device.

4. Test your device. Assuming the device is properly communicating with the computer via the USB port, turn on and use your serial device as you normally would.