Serial cables are commonly used to connect a computer to a vast number of different types of peripherals. Serial printer cables connect PCs to a printer. PDAs and older digital cameras use serial data cable to connect to a computer. Office equipment such as postage meters, document scanners and fax machines use serial data cables.

A recent problem surfacing with the use of serial port cables is more computers, especially laptops, don’t offer a serial port. It’s impractical to throw out your old devices when they no longer connect to your current computer. There's a solution; manufacturers make cables and adapters for this type of dilemma. Purchase a cable with the correct ends on it; for example, USB/DB9 cables are common. Other situations require a shorter adapter to connect to the serial cable. Purchase adapters that convert, for example, USB to DB25, or DB9 male to DB9 female.

Some things you need to know about serial cables:

1. Serial cables have different size connectors on their ends.

2. It's common to have a peripheral with a port that has 9 pins or 9 holes, known as DB9.

3. A serial printer cable often has 25 pins and is known as DB25.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase the correct serial data cable or adapter

USB ports on computers are all the same. The connecting ends of serial port cables, however, might be different. Keep in mind that if the connector on the device is female, the connector on the cable or adapter you buy must be male, and vice-versa.

I recommend: Many online vendors such as M2Cables sell USB to serial cables, and you can find a serial printer cable, too. The Cables To Go page lets you narrow your search by length of cable and what kind of connector you need.

Connect serial port cable devices with special adapters and connectors

Large numbers of serial devices can be connected via special USB to serial cable adapters. These can be connected to a USB port or a USB hub to allow an endless array of possible connections.

I recommend: USB Gear.com carries a wide variety of USB/DB9 cables and adapters, from those that connect just one device to those designed to connect 8 or more.

Use multiple serial port cable devices for your network set-up

Need to have 2 to 4 PCs share access to a device? The devices below will help you connect multiple USB cables to your PC or network, and combined with the adapters mentioned above will allow you even greater options for connecting devices, whether they use serial cables or USB cables.

I recommend: The USB Auto Share Switch and USB Storage Server at Serialgear.com allow you to share up to 4 USB devices between 2 to 4 computers, or on your network.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Serial cables, USB cables, parallel cables perform some of the same functions but they aren't exactly the same. As more peripherals come in to the market that connect by USB, serial cable adaptors will be more sought after.