Does anyone know how to send a serial command via the Windows XP hyperterminal program??

1. Is a straight through or modem db9 cable needed?

2. How does one get commands to be typed into the Hyperterminal program?? After opening up this program, nothing is displayed when typing anything. I tried to type in the serial command for the 990 (eg, power on), but as noted, I cannot get anything to display in the dialog box of this program, when typing. Am I missing something here?? I am not familiar with sending commands via hyperterminal, so this MAY be the problem. Anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks!