Simple Serial communications

HI there.
I am working on a project where I need to send very simple serial data to a pic16f872. I am basically sending two bytes of data which has to be latched on two of the pic's ports. I think this is simple enough but I really want to acknowlege the data back to make sure it is correct. I am using a PC with software I am writing in VB. I am wondering if I could waggle/poll the dts/rts lines to control the communication. If so how do I hook them up to the PIC without damaging it?
Has anybody got any samples or hints.
Thanks

Hi Kitcat:

Since you are writing your own VB code for the PC why not have the PIC pause 100 after receiving the 2 bytes then send them right back to the PC and have the VB program acknowledge the data was sent correctly? All that dts & rts lines are for is handshaking back and forth.

BobK

Yes. Hmmmn. It really is that simple isn't it. I think that was lurking in my head but it seemed too easy.
Thanks for that.

Check this Thread as an example for PC to PIC and echoing back to PC.

http://www.picbasic.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=573