Console (Debugging) Cable from AdaFruit.com

I am using this cable to connect to the BeagleBone Black. 
Though not technically required for operation, it is helpful and will be nearly required as I start working with changing the Linux kernel.

http://www.adafruit.com/products/954

 

Here is how it is connected:

Board     Wire      Function
Pin 1      Black      Ground
Pin 4      Green     Receive
Pin 5      White     Transmit

The default serial port settings for the board are:
Baud 115,200
Bits 8
Parity N
Stop Bits 1
Handshake None

I use PUTTY as a Windows terminal program.  http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html