This page describes how to activate a serial console for a FreeBSD(4) or Linux(2.2) server.
This page assumes Serial device 0, aka Com1, at 9600 baud.
 FreeBSD Serial Console Example
  • Confirm FreeBSD kernel (/usr/src/sys/i386/conf/) has the serial port enabled:
    device sio0 at isa? port IO_COM1 flags 0x10 irq 4
  • Edit /etc/ttys and find the line that looks similiar to:
    ttyd0 "/usr/libexec/getty std.9600" dialup off secure
    and change it to:
    ttyd0 "/usr/libexec/getty std.9600" vt100 on secure
  • Save the file and run kill -HUP 1
 
 Linux Serial Console Example
  • First let us see Lilo bootup routine by editing /etc/lilo.conf and adding:
    serial=0,9600n8
    to the globals (top) section. Then add:
    append="console=ttyS0,9600 console=tty0"
    to the individual kernel image sections.
  • Don't forget to run lilo after saving the changes.
  • Edit /etc/inittab and look for the line:
    # Run gettys in standard runlevels
    and add in this line:
    S0:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty ttyS0 DT9600 vt100
  • Save and run init q