How do you monitor startup messages in Ubuntu?

[Chris Rees]

> Paul Johnson wrote:
> > I feel uncomfortable that Ubuntu just shows a logo and a progress bar.
> >  Sometimes, after a kernel upgrade or package install, it is important
> > to read the startup messages to see if modules fail to load or such.
> >
> On most Linux distros ESC will drop out of the hidden mode and let you
> see what is happening.  For some reason Ubuntu has disabled this option
> - perhpas they worry it will confuse new users if they accidentally hit
> ESC when booting.
>
> Alan


The splash on Ubuntu IIRC is on a virtual terminal; just hit
Ctrl+Alt+F1, and you should be switched to the console. You can also
add nosplash to the kernel options in /boot/grub/menu.lst...