Startup mode:
Mac OS X can be booted in default standard mode or two 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.
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.
To reset PRAM:
Disable startup sound:
Disable startup sound that chimes on system boot.
Online information