[vcf-midatlantic] So, we're going to need an office computer.

[william degnan]

As long as someone is prepared to support you'll be fine with whatever the
person doing the support wants.

Me personally I think a real serial port is more reliable.  I have had to
re-install drivers, reboot the computer, etc when using the USB-->serial
cable on Win Vista and up.

Even with a new machine there is usually a serial port on the motherboard,
just connect an internal serial port cable to the motherboard and pull it
from the motherboard to an external slot so you can get to it.  I'd go that
route if this is a permanent need.  Serial to USB is best for laptops and
temporary use.

But like I originally said, 95% of the time USB to serial works fine as
long as you're ok with occasionally exiting out of an application and
re-entering once in a while, and also unplugging/re-plugging in the USB
cable every so often if something goes wrong.

Bill