HOWTO: Splashy (replacement for usplash, as good (or better) than bootsplash!)

[linuxnewbie946]

Splashy (http://splashy.alioth.debian.org/wiki/doku.php) is a next generation boot splashing system for Linux systems. Unlike other splashig systems, it needs no patches to the kernel and it’s installed like a normal package. Make your boot process eye-candy with Splashy!

Some of Splashy’s most noticable features include:

• Require zero kernel patches/full functionality in user-space
  
• Boot/halt/reboot/runlevel-switch support
  
• Progressbar support (with optional border)
  
• Verbose mode (with F2/ESC keys)
  
• Configuration file in XML
  
• Cope with any video-mode resolution/size
  
• Cope with 8, 16, and 24 bit framebuffers
  
• Alpha channel (transparency) support
  
• Video mode detection
  
• Initramfs support
  
• TrueType2 fonts support
  
• Lots of image/animation file formats supported: jpg, png, gif, mpg, swf
  
• Low dependencies and code in C to best perform
  
• Full LSB support
  
• Multiple themes support
  
• Really easy to create new themes
  
• X detection on exit
  
• Smooth progressbar movement
  
• Animations support
  
• Fade in/out effects
  
• Totally configurable

Splashy is easier to install than bootsplash because you don't have to patch the kernel! It gives the same resolution as bootsplash and is themeable! Try it!



To Install Splashy:

1. Edit /etc/apt/sources.list and add
   
   

   ## Debian Sarge (stable) users: 
   deb http://splashy.alioth.debian.org/debian stable main
   
   ## Debian Etch/Sid (testing/unstable) users: 
   deb http://splashy.alioth.debian.org/debian unstable main

2. Now run:
   
   

   apt-get update
   apt-get install splashy splashy-themes

3. When that is done, do this:
   

   sudo kate /boot/grub/menu.lst

   
   and at the line in bold below (keep in mind your kernel AND hda# may be different so make sure you use the right one or your system will be screwed)
   
   

   title Ubuntu, Kernel 2.6.17
   root (hd0,9)
   kernel /boot/<YOUR KERNEL HERE> root=/dev/hda<YOUR HD # HERE> ro quiet splash
   initrd /boot/initrd.img-2.6.17
   savedefault
   boot

   replace with this:
   

   kernel /boot/<YOUR KERNEL HERE> ro root=/dev/hda<YOUR HD # HERE> vga=792

   Now, whenever the system is updated, Splashy will be updated along with it.

Installing and setting themes through splashy_config

1. Once you have downloaded the theme tarball, run the following command:
   
   

   splashy_config -i <path_to_tarball_w/o_brackets>

   You must run that command as root super-user.
   
   
2. To set the theme, do the following:
   

   splashy_config -s <NAME OF THEME W/O BRACKETS>

   You must run that command as root super-user.

For more info visit http://splashy.alioth.debian.org/wiki/doku.php