cable types

[trubleshtr]

Hi in my efforts to learn about cable types I have confused myslef(not hard)
So now I will post my noob question.
What is the difference when referring to dte/dce?
Also DCC, null modem cables/serial ect.?????

Is there a way to find out what the actual pin out is on my computer, by looking at my computer set-up? is there something in the control panel that would tell me??? or elsewhere on my computer?
Or is every computer the same? I am assuming different /older computers could be different from modern ones?

Thanks

[Al_The_Man]

This link will tell you all you need to know about RS232 http://www.camiresearch.com/Data_Com..._standard.html
If you have a serial port on your computer it should definately correspond to the RS232 standard, modern PC have a 9 pin D socket, older ones 25pin D. The link will give you the pin out, DTE/DCE refers to the hardware handshake pins and a Null modem cable has the approriate handshake and transmit/send lines crossed over and configured for one-to-one transmission with another piece of RS232 equipment or PC.
AL