Using a 8088 as a linux dumb terminal | ||
I'm going to describe one of the most interesting things that you can do with your old 8088/8086 PC XT computer: Connect it to your linux box. By doing this you could access to all your files internet connections,cdrom and other things on your linux box.
Let's put our hands on. Go to your linux box and look for the file /etc/inittab Add this line at the bottom using your favorite text editor: (if you
don't know how try: emacs /etc/inittab ,pico /etc/inittab
or vi /etc/inittab
Details: S1 is the name we choose for this line.
now we must be sure that we getty command is available in our linux
box, lets search it:
|
||
![]() |
![]() |
Lets's now focus on the serial cable, you will need a null modem cable this is a special cable for data-transfer between PCs much slower than a network card but cheaper. Our XT PC will only send typed characters and recive the output screen 9600 bps are enought for this. If you want to make your own null modem cable, buy two female 9pin or 25pin serial conectors a few wire meters and check this website: http://www.hwb.acc.umu.se/menu_Cable.html Now is time to connect the cable between the computers and turn on our
old XT PC.
You are now using your XT PC as a dumb terminal for you linux box.
|
What if it doesn't work?? I will be happy if you rescue your old 8086/8088 computer from dead and use it as a linux dumb terminal. email me: drdoom at sorgonet.com with a description of the problem and I will try to help you. by DrDoom at sorgonet.com
|