Well, they tend not to come as a standard output anymore, but the header is still there on the vast majority of modern desktop MBs - easy enough to plug a db9 pin extension cable in...
( Happy Phantom has been to Hastings, Brighton, and Eastbourne too, Fri 5 Nov 2010, 11:24, 1 reply)

USB- 232 convertors work as well
At least they generally worked for comms in custom install.
(Leonard Hatred briefly did some work on, Fri 5 Nov 2010, 11:26, closed)

The converts are okay enough for some DIY projects
but I'd not trust it as much as I do the direct connections. Also, you've to install some custom drivers if I'm not wrong.
(Archeleus hates cabbage, Fri 5 Nov 2010, 11:28, closed)

True
But they are free and don't seem to affect the ports wheen being used for USB. I've had cause to use the same connection for RS232 and 24/96 High res music files on the same day without any headache.
(Leonard Hatred briefly did some work on, Fri 5 Nov 2010, 12:20, closed)