##(see the SpecSpec for an explanation) * '''Launchpad Entry''': https://launchpad.net/distros/ubuntu/+spec/portable-gfxboot * '''Created''': <> by ColinWatson * '''Contributors''': ColinWatson * '''Packages affected''': gfxboot, syslinux?, grub?, lilo?, yaboot? == Summary == Make `gfxboot` portable to non-x86 architectures and to modern x86 systems with limited BIOS compatibility. == Rationale == In Dapper, we added gfxboot to our amd64 and i386 CD images, providing a friendly graphical boot menu as the first thing users see when booting Ubuntu CD images on those architectures. Unfortunately, gfxboot is currently a huge pile of x86 assembly, and cannot be ported to other architectures (such as powerpc) without a total rewrite; furthermore it relies on the x86 BIOS and VGA so it won't work on Intel-based Macs without Boot Camp. The assembly aspect also makes it hard to add new features such as different behaviour on laptops and desktops. == Use cases == == Scope == Research the feasibility of gradually rewriting the architecture-independent parts of gfxboot, chiefly the language interpreter, in C, preferably with the co-operation of upstream (Su``SE). It will then be possible to support other systems with a much smaller amount of work. == Design == == Implementation == === Code === == Outstanding issues == == BoF agenda and discussion == ---- CategorySpec