I had to install ubuntu 10.04 server edition over the serialport. This is doable, but requires a keyboard to be attached and keys pressed blindly in the right sequence. Here is a little cookbook on what to press:
- Run a terminal client on the serial console device. Configure the serial port to either the failsafe 9600 n-8-1, Hardware Flow Control=NONE, or to the much speedier 115200 n-8-1, Hardware Flow Control=NONE. The latter should be used only if the serial port in both ends support this kind of speed.
- Boot the server with the ubuntu 10.04 server install media in the CD/DVD drive, or from a USB ke
- When it has booted into the installation menu (takes a couple of seconds), then do this
- Press ‘Enter’ (for language selection)
- Press ‘F6′ (Other Options)
- Press ‘ESC’ (to close the Other Options Menu)
- Press ‘Backspace’ 3 Times (to delete “– “)
- Type ‘console=ttyS0,115200n8 — ‘
- Press ‘Enter’
- Installation willl continue, ouputting the dialogs on the serial device.
You should ofcourse replace ttyS0 with another serial device, if applicable. I am at a loss as to why I have to do this in order for me to install Ubuntu Server 10.04 over the serial port in 2010!