In Windows XP, Click Start Button - All Programs - Accessories -
Communication - HyperTerminal
Enter a name for the connection, Click ok
Choose com port you adapter is plugged into, Click ok
Set:
Bits per second = 115200
Data Bits = 8
Parity = none
Stop bits = 1
Flow control = none
Click ok
Click File - Save As, and select a place to save it to so you
don't have to enter the settings again.
After installing putty, run it
Serial line = The COM port your using for serial (ie. COM3)
Speed = 115200
Click on Serial under Connection
Serial line to connect to = same as above (Serial line)
Speed (baud) = 115200
Data bits = 8
Stop bits = 1
Parity = None
Flow control = None
Click Session
Enter a name for your connection under saved sessions
Click Save
Click Open