Individual bootsplash for your own system
Splashing Out
© Sebastian Kaulitzki , Fotolia
Users interested in customizing even the smallest detail of their machines will probably want to modify the boot screen. We show you how to carry out this task with openSUSE 11, Ubuntu 8.x, and their derivatives.
Many recent distributions hide the Linux system's start messages behind a colorful image with a progress indicator. The bootsplash [1] has long become the trademark of each distribution – and is a well-known phenomenon in the world of Windows. A customized system needs a fair amount of manual attention.
Thus far, modifying the bootsplash meant manually modifying the kernel [2]. For one thing, you needed to enable support for the framebuffer device with support for at least 16-bit color. For another, it also meant installing a patch from the bootsplash homepage, although the makers of the original bootsplash system refer to more state-of-the-art approaches on their front page.
Several alternative approaches are available to Linux users now: Splashy [3], USplash [4], and Red Hat Graphical Boot. Splashy and USplash run in userspace, which means on a user account. This offers a number of advantages. For one thing, it does not affect system stability if the program code turns out to be buggy. For another, it makes configuration and customization easier.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.