UNetbootin allows for the installation of various Linux/BSD distributions to a partition or USB drive, so it's no different from a standard install, only it doesn't need a CD. It can create a dual-boot install, or replace the existing OS entirely.
neocon is a handy serial console utility (not only) for u-boot.
noch ne seite mit infos links über verschiene ports protokolle wie usb, serial und parallel ports
verscheiedene rtikel über usb das protokol