A computer system and method of managing a logical partition on a logically-partitioned multi-user computer utilize a handheld computer with a plug-in console emulation module to emulate a console through which various system administrations operations may be performed. The handheld computer is coupled to an adapter on a logically-partitioned computer via a plug-in module coupled to the handheld computer and connected to the adapter via a cable. The handheld computer is configured to emulate a console for a logical partition in the partitioned computer using program code resident in the plug-in module. The plug-in module may incorporate a network interface configured to receive a network connector, a memory, and program code resident in the memory and configured to control the handheld computer to perform the desired console emulation. As such, by incorporating both the console emulation program code and the network interface in the same module, a relatively compact, portable, cost-effective and easy-to-use mechanism for performing system administration operations on a multi-user computer may be provided.