i only have com3 on my laptop. do i need a usb adapter or is there a way around this.

thanks,

Do you have a serial port (nine pins, 5 on top, 4 on bottom)? if not, you will need a USB Serial Adapter.

You can change it. right-click on 'my computer' and goto system properties. Then find the button for "device manager". open up the thing that shows your ports. It will show the port 3 device. right-click and goto properties. In one of the tabs will be a place to change what "port" it is. Its as simple as that! I think I typed all of this right, it should get you in the ballpark.

jeff

On a laptop, "Com 3" is typically the built-in modem.

More than likely, you will need to buy a USB to Serial adapter (example (http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GUC232A)). This is nothing new, lots of people use/need them.