RS-232 serial ports are far slower than USB ports. With very few exceptions, devices that use USB ports would be impractical to use on a serial port.
They do make universal USB serial adapters. They are very affordable.
Amazon sells quality USB WiFi adapters at an affordable price. Other companies that sell USB WiFi adapters are: eBay, aliexpress and other computer stores.
There are many companies that provide wireless gaming adapters. Examples of companies that provide wireless gaming adapters include Dell, Best Buy, and HSN.
One can purchase USB to serial adapters from many stores or online. Amazon and ebay have many for sale or one can purchase from Walmart, Best Buy or Staples.
That means that you're using a USB to Serial adapter like this: http://sewelldirect.com/usbtoserial.asp Prolific is one of the companies that makes USB to Serial chipsets, and when you are using one of their adapters it will show up on your computer like that. Many newer computer do not have serial ports on them so you need a USB to Serial adapter to be able to use serial devices with your computer. If you have a laptop and you're using a docking station then it might have a USB to Serial adapter inside of it which is using the Prolific chipset.
If you need to use an older serial device, than a USB to serial adapter is required. This adapter has all of the required drivers programmed into it to ensure that the use of your serial device is seamless.
Griffin Technology manufacture consumer electronics. They manufacture accessories such as video adapters, USB devices. They produce 3rd party products for Apple iPod devices.
Connecting an adapter USB to a serial port is very simple. All you need to do is purchase a USB Serial Adapter. These range in price from $6.00 used to upwards of $30.00 new. http://www.Amazon.com provides several USB serial adapters to purchase online.
Intel, Microsoft, Phillips and US Robotics were the main companies promoting USB originally. Many companies manufacture the connectors however.
Yes, the USB mini adapters provide the same power as the full sized adapters.
You can buy USB serial adapters at most retail outlets and computer supply stores. Depending on pin requirements, length of cables etc. they can cost anywhere from $9 and up.