custom use of serial port

[lozina]

I'd llike to do a project involving the use of the serial port to trigger events on my PC through either a keypad or a remote control... I am not experienced with designing circuitry so I'm wondering if anyone knows of some tutorial out there which would be a good primer to understanding how to go about doing this?

edit: also if you have any good online sources for circuit supplies you're willing to share I'd be most grateful!