I've run into this problem many times when I couldn't get to the back of
a rack mounted server. Usually on a server class machine, there are 2
USB ports on the front but several more on the back. When i had to use
just the 2 USB ports on the front, I borrow an Apple keyboard from a
Mac. Those things have a USB port on either side. If you happen to have
an Apple keyboard around, you might be able to use a USB headset plugged
into the keyboard. I have not been able to get my braille display to
work that way, insufficient power. But a USB headset usually works. Then
you have to remember that the control and super keys are switched around.
On 7/11/21 6:01 AM, Rob Hudson wrote:
I was given to understand that a lot of bioses have trouble seeing USB hubs. But I can try that, good thought.
No sound on this puppy. So it's going to be braille or, once I get the installer going, ssh.
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Ray <mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: speakup@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2021 11:54:56 +0100
Subject: Re: Installing OS on rackmount server
Passive USB hub?
Does the rack server have sound? If so you could install Debian from the
net install CD image written to a flash drive.
Or, even if the server does not have sound, you could insert a USB sound
dongle. Again, by using a USB hub to expand the number of USB ports.
You could install something else as well, such as Ubuntu. But if it is a
server only, there is no reason to install a desktop. The Debian net
install allows you to install only the cli, and no GUI.
I would not try installing Linux on another machine and then moving it
across, unless it's an identical machine. I assume lots of drivers will
be selected during the install which would not be appropriate for the
eventual host.
On 11/07/2021 11:49, Rob Hudson wrote:
Tried this on another list, got no answer, so trying here. I've got a Cisco rackmount that needs an OS. It's only got 2 usb ports, so I can't hook up a keyboard, a braille display and a linux flash drive. I'm given to understand the CIMC interface is inaccessible, and I have no idea how to set up a PXE server. Is my only option for installing an OS to connect a hard drive to another computer, install linux on there and then put it in the server?
--
Michael A. Ray
Analyst/Programmer
Witley, Surrey, South-east UK
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when
there is nothing left to take away." -- A. de Saint-Exupery
