How do I do a bare-metal install (Debian) without a monitor+keyboard?

MigratingtoLemmy@lemmy.world to Selfhosted@lemmy.world – 58 points –

I don't have spare peripherals like a monitor and a keyboard. How do you suggest I do a bare-metal install of Debian on a computer (meant to be a server)?

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I use a KVM over IP.

I made my own tiny pilot device for less than £100 and it has worked flawlessly for a few years.

This assumes your server has a hdmi output, if not you will need a VGA to hdmi or similar converter, danger of it becoming a bit of a hodge-podge of adapters, but hey, if it works, it works!

There's a bunch of other variants like PiKVM and BIiKVM as well. Even some cheap knockoffs on Aliexpress that may do the job.

I'm planning to use a Raxda Zero 3W/Banana Pi Zero for this. Do you think this will suffice? I don't need speed or power, it just needs to be usable.

I've no experience with either of those devices. So long as they're comparable in terms of USBC features (otg) to emulate the keyboard and mouse then you should be good as the overhead of running the software seems to be minimal from my usage.

Without that, you'll get video without keyboard and mouse support.