On 2009/10/27 18:50 (GMT-0700) Linda Walsh composed:
I already run in mode 3, but in mode 3, the system is still using a 'frame buffer' rather than an SVGA text mode. The switch to frame buffer seems to happen when grub starts and displays a graphical menu rather than a text menu.
AFAIK, there is no such thing as framebuffer prior to kernel taking control from Grub. The graphical mode Grub uses AFAIK is setup by the installer to use either a native video mode or a common VESA mode, typically graphical 1024x768. NAICT, if Grub uses a 1024x768 video mode while the Grub kernel line contains 791 (or its 16 bit hex twin 0x317) or other 1024x768 framebuffer mode there won't be any material "loss" on switching from Grub to kernel video control, unless a graphical boot splash curtain is allowed to alter or hide the messages.
From there, it's all downhill -- they system boot using a framebuffer, I don't see the actually boot text coming out to the console reliably or, right now, at all.
What is your gfxcard chip?
Normally, whether or not you see boot text or a snazzy boot screen, depends on the setting of the verbose parameter to the kernel in the boot file.
AFAICT, all you need to permit all kernel/init messages is to not use quiet on the Grub kernel line. To actually see them needs either a bootsplash that actually works right, or no bootsplash at all.
But either way, snazzy screen or scrolled text in a framed area
The framed area usually is a bootsplash thing. Turn that bling off and you get good framebuffer output speed and no shrunken "output" window.
-- it's a frame buffer and not actually using the hardware's internal text modes. [...] Anyway...I'd prefer it boot normally and not use the frame buffer during boot. It's not reliable -- due to the lost output -- and, right now, I don't get anyoutput at all -- I just get a blank screen f from the time the boot starts till I get a login prompt -- I don't even see services start.
That's broken bootsplash. -- " A patriot without religion . . . is as great a paradox, as an honest man without the fear of God. . . . 2nd U.S. President, John Adams Team OS/2 ** Reg. Linux User #211409 Felix Miata *** http://fm.no-ip.com/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse+help@opensuse.org