Total newbie, just getting started.

[msattler]

Just a little hand holding, if you would be so kind.
I am just getting started, posting this from my PC. A used Dell laptop is on the way that I am going to try to use for interfacing with my car.
I have purchased a USB/12 pin cable from OBD Diagnostics for the interconnect.

ALL I wish to do right now is be able to read the ECU info like a handheld scanner, and later possibly log some data.
I am not getting into actually tuning anything, I just want to read the info properly.

If I understand what I have read so far, I believe I need an ADX file?
The car is a 1990 Olds Cutlass Ciera with a stock 2.5l Iron Duke 4 cyl., single TBI, and the ECU is 1227748.

Any help would be appreciated. I work 2nd shift, so don't be disappointed if my replies might take a day or two.
Thank you,
Mark