Getting Terminal / Console Connectivity in MAC OS X

It took me a couple of Googles to work this out… I have a Belkin f5u103v USB-to-Serial adapter and needed a console connection to a Cisco switch.

To get started install this driver from apple (I think it needed a reboot).

If this was successful when you connect the USB-to-Serial you’ll be asked if you want to setup a modem / network connection… say no. From a terminal you should now see a new device similar to mine…

NickBook:~ nick$ ls /dev/cu*
/dev/cu.Bluetooth-Modem	/dev/cu.PL2303-00001004	/dev/cu.Bluetooth-PDA-Sync
NickBook:~ nick$

The PL device disappears when I unplug the USB adapter. Next you then need a copy of minicom, I installed macports and did port install minicom.

Since I don’t want to re-invent the wheel now go to http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20040521145713551 and Start at STEP 3 to configure minicom (Obviously you’ll replace /dev/cu.USA19QI191P1.1 with something similar to /dev/cu.PL2303-00001004 ) once finished you’ll be set.. happy terminal session!

MacBook Pro UK Keyboard Layout for Windows

I’ve imported my windows box into VirtualBox (howto) and noticed that the keyboard layout is all screwed up.

My Googling suggests that a German and Swedish bloke/bird/person have fixed this issue but no-one in the UK.

Attached is my UK Keyboard layout, also the source file so you can use microsoft keyboard layout creator to make your own.

To use, simply unzip, run setup, and then in your keyboard settings (control panel) change to “English UK – Apple MacBook Pro” … you may wish to remove the default UK keyboard to avoid confusion.

This works well for me in VirtualBox, I would expect it to work in VMWARE / Parallels but I’ve not tested it, as with everything I do YMMV :)

Silence on LINICKX.com

It’s been a bit quiet on here; x-mas was “louder” than normal there seemed to be more to do than normal and I forgot to schedule some seasons greetings on the 25/12 & 01/01 so my apologies. I’ve acquired extra time-sinks, I’m now a MAC Fanboy as I’ve brought a shiny new toy (expect mac related posts) :D . My Cisco Certification is due for renewal so I really really should study and I have “Project R” which is a weekend project … basically a website for a friend…. oh and thanks to all the recent snow around here the car really needs a clean!

So, I should get on, get organised and be grateful that this time-sink helps organise my thoughts.