I suppose you have two options. PC serial connection to 8051 MCU via RS232 or USB.
For USB, you need a USB driver chip if the current 8051 MCU you are using doesn't has one.
For RS232, you need a RS232 transceiver chip.
Check out 8051 from STMicroelectronics, Philips, Intel or Siemens.
They have free example circuit for interfacing PC serial RS232 layout.
if u simply wanna know about serial communication try virtual simulators like proteus. or else explain your project so that we can get it cleared what u exactly need
u can refer 8051 Programming by Mazidi & Mazidi
there u can find the coding itself for serial communication and details abt Max232 & Max233.
Circuit also is there... and explanation why u r choosing a particular mode etc..