[NTLUG:Discuss] linux laptop as console to unix server

[Will Senn]

fredjame wrote:

> Chris Cox wrote:
>
>> fredjame wrote:
>>
>>> I work with several UNIX servers that each send "console" out of a 
>>> DB9 serial port.
>>> I would like to be able to use my Linux laptop to connect to that 
>>> stream on an as need, periodic, basis (i.e., carry my laptop into 
>>> the server room, run a serial cable between the server and the 
>>> laptop, etc.).  Is this a difficult thing to do?  Any pointers would 
>>> be appreciated.  Thank you in advance for any help you may be able 
>>> to offer.
>>> Regards
>>> Fred James
>>>
>>
>> Need a null modem cable/adapter.  I use a 9pin-RJ45 null modem
>> adapter and then I carry 9 and 25pin to RJ45 adapters for use
>> with the servers.   Of course, I really don't have a 9pin
>> serial on my laptop, so actually I use a USB to 9pin adapter
>> to get a serial port (9pin serial now considered to be obsolete
>> legacy stuff).  By using RJ45.. I can just string a piece of
>> CAT5 (network cable) of any length to connect.
>>
>> Then use minicom to access.  I usually set for 9600 8-N-1, seems
>> to be work with the normal default for most devices (server, routers,
>> switches, etc).  You may have to adjust those values based on
>> the server's needs.
>
>
> I have minicom up and running but I can only seem to use it as root - 
> as me I get the message(s) below, and I'm not finding any meaningful 
> documentation (or maybe I'm just slipping).  Thank you in advance for 
> any help you may be able to offer.
> Regards
> Fred James
>
> $ minicom
> ** Parameter bits is public, but is marked private in global config file
> ** Parameter parity is public, but is marked private in global config 
> file
> ** Parameter stopbits is public, but is marked private in global 
> config file
> Cannot create lockfile. Sorry.
> $
>                                                                                                                                                
>


Fred,

I am by no means a minicom expert - been 5 years since I used it, but I 
think you:
# minicom -s
as root to set up the connection parameters and then you can run minicom 
as a normal user

Here's some text to that effect, scroll down to the part that says, 
MINICOM Reference setup:
    http://ixp4xx-osdg.sourceforge.net/howtos/host_setup_HOWTO.html

Hope this helps,

Will