Debian, NVidia GeForce4 MX420, Yaboot parameters to avoid black screen on startup
by Maverick855 from LinuxQuestions.org on (#5G7A3)
I am trying to load Debian (8 or 10) onto a Mac G4 (powerpc) 1 gig Ram, 160G HD, 867Mhz that uses an Nvidia GeForce4 MX 420 Rev a3 as it's GPU. Every attempt results in booting to a black screen, with no ability to use Ctl-alt-F1 -7 to access a terminal. I am looking for a Yaboot boot parameter(s) to enter on start up that will get me to a graphical desktop. I've used:
Linux video=ofonly
Linux video=offb:off nouveau.modeset=0 single (which requires some patience and blind entries to get to a desktop)
Linux video=Nvidiafb: 1280x1024 (working resolution for AppleCinema Display)
I know the machine is booting to the point that it hits the network based on indications from the router it's attached to. I just can't interface with the device due to the black screen.
I've had some success (though not recently) loading Lubuntu onto this machine and getting to a desktop. I would like to get Debian onto this machine.
Does anyone have a magic boot parameter they use with the subject GPU to get a functional system?
I do have a Grub based installer but I'm not a fan of grub.
Thanks
Maverick855


Linux video=ofonly
Linux video=offb:off nouveau.modeset=0 single (which requires some patience and blind entries to get to a desktop)
Linux video=Nvidiafb: 1280x1024 (working resolution for AppleCinema Display)
I know the machine is booting to the point that it hits the network based on indications from the router it's attached to. I just can't interface with the device due to the black screen.
I've had some success (though not recently) loading Lubuntu onto this machine and getting to a desktop. I would like to get Debian onto this machine.
Does anyone have a magic boot parameter they use with the subject GPU to get a functional system?
I do have a Grub based installer but I'm not a fan of grub.
Thanks
Maverick855