Usplash is asoftware project in theUbuntu community. Historically, scrolling text "verbose mode" has typically appeared on Linux computers during boot. Usplash replaces the scrolling-text screens with a graphicalsplash screen. It was designed to replaceBootsplash, which did the same thing on thekernel space level. Since usplash operates inuser space, it can be updated without recompiling the kernel.
Usplash uses theLinux framebuffer interface or, alternatively, directVESA access to display the splash screen.
In Ubuntu 9.10 "Karmic Koala", Usplash is only used in the preliminary stages of booting, after whichXSplash takes over. In Ubuntu 10.04 LTS "Lucid Lynx", Usplash has been fully replaced byPlymouth, which usesDirect Rendering Manager (DRM) andKMS driver.
