PiKVM - a KVM <-> IP on System76

Is always better to have a Plan B if the main plan fails.
My server has an embedded KVM (with an extra module installed - see the article Fixing the server - KVM <-> IP) but surprise surprise the actual KVM functionality is not working because the motherboard is not supporting an extension module.

This article discuss about the KVM <-> IP solution with a Raspberry Pi on the open source project PiKVM as a way to have the KVM functionality on my server.

Server chronicles - KVM <-> IP on old System76

One of the things I would like to have in the renewed server is the capability to remote access it for monitor or emergency repairs or, like now, for a rebuilding, without the need to be physically present in the "server room" (in my case the garage) to connect a keyboard and monitor to the console.
This article is about the introduction and hardware settings, another one will discuss the installation and use.

Server chronicles - planning - UPDATE !

Well, it was matter of time.  

An hard drive in the server died during the latest thunderstorm.
It is time to do some maintenance to the system, very probably rebuild it from scratch, a good time to reinstall only what is really needed and  a full upgrade to the latest version of Linux.
After 7 years of continue service 24/7 I would say it is time 😁