Tell the user we're booting

[Devin Teske]

Hi,

I'd like to propose a small (tiny even) patch to sys/boot/forth/loader.4th

Said patch will echo "Booting…" before invoking the kernel.

This patch would effect every architecture (even those that don't use the beastie menu).

The reason for proposing this tiny change is that as of 9.0-R I've noticed a significant lag between executing "boot" and getting something on-screen to show that something is happening.

On my circa 2006 white Macbook (Intel, 4GB of RAM) running VMware Fusion 5, FreeBSD 9.0-R GENERIC kernel takes on-average 3.76 seconds from the point I hit ENTER on the "boot" command to the point that kernel messages start appearing on-screen.

I've had this patch applied to DruidBSD for almost a decade but have neglected to request this enhancement for FreeBSD. Largely because it wasn't needed, but now that I'm seeing significant delays on older hardware (with GENERIC), I feel it dramatically increases perceived performance (simply by providing feedback -- doubly important in the menu environment where the user hits ENTER and nothing happens for 3-4 seconds).
-- 
Devin

_____________
The information contained in this message is proprietary and/or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please: (i) delete the message and all copies; (ii) do not disclose, distribute or use the message in any manner; and (iii) notify the sender immediately. In addition, please be aware that any message addressed to our domain is subject to archiving and review by persons other than the intended recipient. Thank you.