HOw to check engine light?

My friends check engine light on his 98zx2 has been on for 10K miles, im finally getting him to let me check it out. How do you check the codes on the zx2s computer? i had a civc that you just 'jump' the 2 wires that were on the computer port clip and the check engine light would flash on and off to show what code it was. also is there a list on the internet on what the codes mean? any info found be helpful.

gotta buy a hanes or chiltons and an obd II scanner. no other way that im aware of.