8.1. Verify console operation

If possible, plug an RS-232 breakout box into the serial port. During reboot the Data Terminal Ready line should become active and then the Transmit Data lights should flash as console messages appear.

Attach a modem, or a null modem cable and a terminal. Configure them to match the serial parameters used by the serial console port. If using a modem, dial in to it from a terminal emulator.

+++
AT Z
AT DT 1234-5678
CONNECT 9600

Configure the terminal or terminal emulator to match the serial parameters used by the serial console. If using a modern Hayes AT-style modem then the speed need not match. If using a directly-attached terminal then the speed must match.

Reboot the computer.

bash# shutdown -r now

During reboot the terminal should see the usual boot loader text, and then the default kernel booting, then the init output, and finally the contents of /etc/issue and getty asking you to login.

LILO:

Linux version …
Kernel command line: auto BOOT_IMAGE=linux ro root=306 BOOT_FILE=/boot/vmlinuz-2.4.3-12 console=tty0 console=ttyS0,9600n8
…
INIT version …
…
/etc/issue says "All your base are belong to us".
remote.example.edu.au ttyS0 login:

If you do not see the login: message then press Return or Enter.