Making Serial Connections The OmniBook serial port is a standard 9-pin serial port. It supports hardware handshaking, a method of data-flow control that uses signals sent over reserved wires in the serial cable. Linking Computers Linking Computers You can use Direct Cable Connection to link two PCs and share files, drives, and printers between them. You can make a connection in these ways: • With a serial or null-modem cable (using the COM1 port). • With a parallel cable (using the LPT1 port). • With a wireless infrared connection (using the COM4 port, a “virtual” port). To start the Direct Cable Connection wizard, click Start, Programs, Accessories, Direct Cable Connection on each computer.
One computer must be the “host”, and the other computer must be the “guest.” For an infrared connection, if Infrared Monitor is running, it provides visual status and helps you resolve communications problems. To start Infrared Monitor, in Control Panel double-click Infrared. This section shows how to ♦ Connect a serial device. ♦ View or change the serial port assignments. ♦ Specify serial port settings. To connect a serial device The OmniBook 9-pin serial port is a standard serial port, just like those found on many PCs. The most common types of serial connections involve printers, modems, and other computers.
You can make such connections using standard serial cables and adapters available at computer dealers and electronic supply stores. To view or change serial port assignments You can see and change the serial communications port names (COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4) assigned to the serial port and infrared port. Assigning Serial Ports Assigning Serial Ports 30