A remote management console couples to a managed computer system via a management sub-system. The management sub-system is mounted in the managed computer system as a computer card, coupling to the system bus. The management console couples to the management sub-system through a local area network, through a direct telephone connection, or through the Internet. The management console transfers bootable images to the management sub-system, where the image is stored. When an image is received at the management sub-system, a flag is set in the managed computer system. During the subsequent boot cycle of the managed system, the bootable image is loaded and executed as part of the boot sequence.