MAX488 is an RS422/485 transceiver, it isn't compatible with RS232.
If you want to convert from one to the other you need an interface for both standards connected together:
Now you can read both datasheets and find out that both are not RS232.
And even if you don't want RS232, then I doubt to use both Max485 and Max488 makes sense.
If you need help, then please post full information.
Sorry for confusing,
MY project is actually a good full duplex RS485 module, which can be interfaced from USB
At first I thought of designing from usb to rs232 and then to rs485
By valuable inputs from here, I learned different things
will learn more and get back to this thread again....