Questions on using serial console

[Arthur Pirika]

Hi there, I have some questions about using a serial console with a separate pc or laptop to access linux.

First, how early in the boot process would it be possible to connect to the system?

second, if I connected to linux with say, hyperterminal on windows, would i be able to control linux from the laptop's keyboard?

btw, how do you tell linux to use a serial console?

tia,
Arthur.