you can not cut and paste the cable as such. you will need to purchase a usb serial port adapter. The adapter converts the signal from RS232 to USB format. I have seen quiet a few cheap ones for about 20-30$ at the computer markets around Syndey.
Staticice.com.au is a good search engine for finding cheaper computer parts.
http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/sear...b+serial+port+