Talbot Andrew wrote:

[...]
So let Windoze just drive the serial port as it seems to still be able to do
(how long will that last ?) and use a PIC to turn the 8 bit words into
useful functions.
[...]

I am afraid the biggest threat for serial comms is coming not from Bill,
but from laptop manufacturers...
I have recently seen laptops of the low end of the price range which
didn't have a serial port... in the sake of pennies saving, I suppose...
In this moment the most sure bet seems to be that on the printer port...
which moreover gives the 8 bit words without resorting to a PIC, though
some logic glue will nevertheless be required.

73  Alberto  I2PHD