hey guys. i have been working with vb.net for a few months (mostly creating db programs, games, etc). i feel im rather comfortable to move on to something a bit more challenging. i want to start learning how to work with hardware peripheral hardware. in particular i want to start programing for working with a usb modem. i figure i will need to learn about connecting to usb comports and the commands the modem uses and receives.
can anyone pointe me in the direction of a good tutorial. also, what documentation would i ask the company to provide me so i can develop a program using their hardware (do they even do that or is it proprietary?).
any help would be great.

thanks

jason