Interfacing with your PC is very easy with Basic, download Microsoft Visual Basic Express (Free download) and grab a DS275 (a single chip RS232 - TTL)
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To make your DB9 connector proto-PCB friendly, cut off the unrequired Pins, eg
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And either buy, or build your DB9 lead;
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The connector shown above is a solderless clamp type, very easy to use.
Then you will have to learn the basics of setting up your COM port, and how to send data either way.
**broken link removed** may help you to do that, included are the Visual Basic files, and the Proton PIC Basic file.