In order to use serial console you need to configure GRUB boot
loader. Following instructions are tested on :
[1] Cent OS 4/5
[2] Redhat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 3/4/5
[3] Debian 3/4
Step # 1: Serial redirection in the GRUB
Open grub configuration file
/boot/grub/grub.conf(Redhat/CentOS/Fedora
Core Linux).
/boot/grub/menu.lst
(Debian / Ubuntu Linux)
#
vi /boot/grub/grub.confadd
the following lines below "hiddenmenu" option:
serial --unit=3 --speed=115200
terminal --timeout=8 console serial
The first line tells GRUB to use the third serial port (com 3) at a
baud rate of 115200
The second line gives the user 9 seconds to decide where GRUB
should output it's information.
Next make sure splashimage options is disabled as graphics can't be
disp