Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided for managing a target computing device. One method for managing the target computing device includes loading a service operating system into non-persistent memory of the target computing device having a persistent memory that is initially devoid of a functional operating system. The service operating system includes an embedded global shell agent. The global shell agent is executed thereby configuring the target computing device for remote management within an interactive command shell function before loading an operating system into persistent memory of the target computing device. The global shell agent is operable to examine and modify filesystems on the target computing device.