The boot: prompt waits for you to type advanced startup options. If you don't type anything, the computer continues starting up normally. It uses the kernel and configuration files on the startup device, which it also uses as the root device. Advanced startup options use the following syntax: [device] [arguments] Example arguments include device: rd= (e.g. rd=disk0s2) rd=* (e.g. rd=*/PCI0@0/CHN0@0/@0:1) kernel: kernel name (e.g. "mach_kernel" - must be in "/" ) flags: -v (verbose) -s (single user), -f (safe) -F (ignore boot file) "Graphics Mode"="WIDTHxHEIGHTxDEPTH" (e.g. "1024x768x32") For VESA 3.0 graphics, you may append a refresh rate after an "@" character (e.g. "1280x1024x32@75") kernel flags (e.g. debug=0x144) io=0xffffffff (defined in IOKit/IOKitDebug.h) Example: mach_kernel rd=disk0s1 -v "Graphics Mode"="4096x4096x32@85" If the computer won't start up properly, you may be able to start it up using safe mode. Type -f to start up in safe mode, which ignores all cached driver files. Special booter commands: ?memory Displays information about the computer's memory. ?video Displays VESA video modes supported by the computer's BIOS. Additional useful command-line options: config= Use an alternate Boot.plist file. platform=ACPI|X86PC Use either ACPI or non-ACPI platform support. Options useful in the com.apple.Boot.plist file: "Boot Graphics"=Yes|No Use graphics mode or text mode when starting. "Quiet Boot"=Yes|No Use quiet boot mode (no messages or prompt). Timeout=8 Number of seconds to pause at the boot: prompt.