Kernel Parameters

ASSUME:
This is advanced so no beginners for this one.
How to edit grub to modify the kernel parameters
Know what a kernel parameter is:


Editing the kernel is one thing but modifying boot options is another.  In this entry, we're going to modify some kernel parameters that are really useful -- especially when headaches arrive. 
In Grub1, or Grub2 you are allowed to edit the Kernel parameters by simply modifying the line that launches the kernel.



(Yes I know it wraps to the next line...sorry
kernel        /vmlinuz-3.2.0-23-generic-pae root=UUID=65c84575-96be-4380-b4d8-1b1d6292816d ro

This is a typical line for a kernel in the grub menu.

kernel - saying we have a kernel
where to find the kernel - /vmlinuz-3.2.0-23-generic-pae root=UUID=65c84575-96be-4380-b4d8-1b1d6292816d

ro - make it read only...handy

Anyway, here are some items you can place to the right of that line to make it more functional.

quiet - 
I don't like this but its typically found to display displaying the bootup process.

splash -
 throw up a splash screen which I don't like either.

text - 
VERY handy.  Boot to text mode to avoid autoloading the graphic screen (GNU, XFCE, etc.)

nomodeset
Some distros (Ubuntu in particular) make the text screen a huge tiny size.  If you just want 80 * 25 for the size, make this option available.
NOTE: For Ubuntu, if you do that, you'll get one UGLY font.  Do this>

dpkg-reconfigure console-setup

check VGS not FIXED and you'll get a nice clean font.

noacpi, pci=noacpi
These are two separate options but essentially work on the same idea.  If you are having hang problems with an operating system, try this option(s).  It disables polling of the PCI bus for interrupts.  It can stabilize a system.  Treat this as a diagnostic.  If it works after this, chances are your BIOS is a problem.  Upgrade the bios.

That's it.