Making serial connections – HP OmniBook 5000 Notebook PC User Manual

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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

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

Linking
Computers

Assigning Serial
Ports

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