> 
> I've seen references to a serial console How To document; could someone
> kindly give me a pointer? I've almost got it working, but at the last
> moment it complains that the port is not configured...

Could you be more specific about the error?

You should set the serial console flag in the booter, make sure
you have getty set up to run on that port (modem or printer), and
turn getty off on the internal console (ttye0).

Take care,

Bill