If you are the old school type of linux/unix user that enjoys seeing all the bootup messages rather than the graphical bootup screen then this hint is for you.
From the terminal type:
sudo nvram -pThis command prints out your current arguments for the settings. If you want to see the old school style bootup type this:
sudo nvram boot-args="-v"Reboot to see the effects. To change back to the regular bootup screen type the following:
sudo nvram boot-args=""(notice that the quotes have nothing in them.)
Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20020212090451983