You can view the page at http://wiki.pnpscada.com/content.php?153-USB-to-RS232-Converter

Since Windows Vista, a terminal emulator is not available for sending simple commands via a serial port.
You can download a program that can open the COM port for programming a modem at
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html

Sometimes it is necessary to change the port number, for example some older programs can only access COM1/2.
To do so, in device manager, right click the device who's com port you want to change
select properties
select port settings tab
click advanced button
in the dropdown, select the preferred COM port.
if that COM port is already in use, then move the other one out of the way.

Most USB to RS232 devices (including the USB WavePort) have a chip made by FTDI.
If you dont have the drivers for your converter, try the drivers on this page:
Virtual COM Port Drivers