Abstract: Apparatus and method for remote administration of a PC-server and which enables remote keyboard input, even during re-boot sequence of the PC-server. The apparatus comprises an adapter emulating video of a display adapter to convert display data, including boot-level data at the console, for serial transmission to a remote user. Further, the microprocessor converts input commands from the user to a form compatible with the PC-server input interface such as scan codes for a keyboard input interface. Additionally, the method and apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to route textual data to a speech synthesizer at the boot level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remote administration of a PC-server, this invention enables remote keyboard input, even during re-boot sequence of the PC-server. The apparatus comprises an adapter emulating a video frame buffer of a display adapter to convert textual display data to ANSI escape sequences including boot-level data at the console, a serial communications device to transmit and receive console input, and a microprocessor to retrieve character data from the frame buffer and convert it for serial transmission. Further, the microprocessor converts the input commands to scan codes compatible with the PC-server keyboard input interface. Additionally, the method and apparatus of the present invention makes it possible to route textual data to a speech synthesizer at the boot level.