System startup settings

Startup language:

The “Startup language” setting can be used to display startup messages in another desired language. Changing the startup language will also affect keyboard layout settings, which can cause problems while entering the login password. Please note that startup language also changes the keyboard layout settings.

Startup mode:

Mac OS X can be booted in default standard mode or three other modes that can be used for troubleshooting and in software development. The “Verbose” mode shows all kernel and startup messages. When booting in Safe mode Mac OS X does things to make Mac OS X boot even if the computers startup volume suffers from issues from software or directory damages. The “Single User” mode* is an administrative mode used when certain tasks that demand total control of the system (such as disk reparation or system maintenance) are to be performed.

*The “Single User” mode does not load the entire operating system so not all functions are available. To use the Aqua interface or other high-level aspects of Mac OS X, you need to type "exit" and press Return or reset PRAM (wireless keyboard and mouse will not work once the computer is started up in this mode, use a wired keyboard and mouse).

Startup delay:

By setting a startup delay one can give Mac OS a longer period of time to for example obtaining a IP address via DHCP and for DS to bind to the servers. Startup delay is specified in second which are displayed at the Login Window. If the Login Window UI detects that the network servers are available when it starts, it will skip the delay. If the network servers become available before the delay expires, the Login Window UI cancels the delay and displays.