Question 1

Does this come with the NULL modem serial cable (RJ45 to DB9F)?

Accepted Answer

I don't believe a modem connection is support the RJ-45 connector is Ethernet not  a console serial connection.  And therefore a null-modem cable (RJ-45 to DB-9 is not included. There is a auxiliary connecter  to manage a remote controlled  (optional) power unit label PCU on image provided by Newegg ) .  The PCU seems to be a AC power switch , to power cycle the PC the Spider Duo is controlling .

Question 2

Can I VPN into my office and then access a new server with no Windows loaded yet and see this new computer as if I was sitting there at the keyboard and monitor for full control to build server software, access bios etc...?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can. This unit is basically a single station IP KVM that provides you terminal access via a a Java app or applet. The nice thing about about the Duo version is that it not only gives you the ability to have both remote access and a local mouse and keyboard, it also gives you the ability to hard power cycle the computer remotely. In order to perform a remote power cycle you have to purchase the optional PCU, but with the non-Duo version this is not an option. If remote power cycle is something you are interested in, make sure you have the power options set correctly in the BIOS to turn the machine on after power restore. If you want to access the bios make sure you buy the correct version (USB/PS2). Some older motherboards will not respond to USB mouse/keyboard until the OS has booted. The only annoyance is having to deal with Java and their security model, but once you have the IP trusted and the setting tweaked a bit it works great!! The virtual media is pretty cool too.

Questions & Answers