Most ALIX boards from PC Engines have serial console interfaces. However boards with video interfaces like the ALIX.3c3 and the mini-itx size ALIX board do not run tinyBIOS and do not have serial console interfaces. These boards are running a version of Award BIOS and the user is expected to use the video interface itself with a USB keyboard to access the console.
First you need a null modem cable, not a straight through serial cable. For the appropriate pin-out, see this page. You can purchase a null modem cable at most any store that carries computer cables, or from a variety of online sources. (Froogle link for null modem cables).
MacOSX users and PC users that do not have a serial console interface can purchase a USB to Serial DB9 adaptor from their local computer store. Additionally, some PC motherboard BIOS settings may have the serial interface disabled or being used by an internal modem. If you experience problems below, verify that your serial interface is activated.
Connect the null modem cable to your embedded device and PC.
For Windows users, HyperTerminal isn't great, but it gets the job done. You can find it under Start, Programs, Communications, HyperTerminal. If you cannot find it on your system, you can download it for free here.
Caution
Windows Vista does not include HyperTerminal. You can either download the free Private Edition of HyperTerminal or use another software such as PuTTY.
After opening HyperTerminal, you will see the New Connection screen.
Type in something for the connection name and click OK.
Next, you'll see the "Connect to" screen. Select the COM port number of the serial port in your PC. If you do not know which it is, trial and error might be the easiest way to determine this. Start with COM1, and try other ports if necessary. In this case, I know my serial port is COM1.
Now you'll see the Connection Properties screen. If you have changed the console speed on your WRAP/ALIX, you will need to change the "Bits per second" field accordingly. If you are unsure on what this speed is please check the documentation of your WRAP/ALIX system.
Click OK after filling in the Connection Properties appropriately, and you will have a blank HyperTerminal screen. Now power on your device.
MacOSX users can use Terminal Emuation software such as Zterm to access the console settings.