Step #1 is to plug in your FTDI adapter and install the driver (in case it isnt on there already). If you have an FTDI cable proper, there is already a USB A connector on the end. If you have an FTDI adapter, you'll need a standard mini-B cable, pretty much everything uses these so steal your camera's or cell phone's data cable.
If you are using Windows or Mac OS, you may need to need to download the FTDI driver if you haven't already installed it for another project. If you are using Linux, the driver is already built in to the operating system (handy!)
Next up, plug it into your computer! If you are using Windows you may hear a sound from the computer and a little popup bubble in the bottom right corner of the screen that says Found New Hardware FT232R USB UART.
After a few seconds, the new hardware wizard will start. Select "No not this time" and click Next>
At the next screen, select Install from a list or specific location
At the next screen make sure Include this location is selected and browse to the folder that contains the driver you downloaded. Select the folder and click OK
It should copy some files and then come up with this window. Click Finish
Almost immediately, another window will pop up, this time it will say USB Serial Port. As before, click Install from a list or specific location
Browse to the same folder again…
And it should complete successfully!
You may need to reboot the computer.
