diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 92ee230a..fe23cff0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 
-ghostbsd-build  (Greenfield)
+ghostbsd-build
 ==============
 Live media creator for GhostBSD distribution
 
@@ -8,14 +8,14 @@ The purpose of this tool is to quickly generate live images for GhostBSD.
 
 ## Features
 * Build GhostBSD from packages
-* Multiple desktop environments (Mate, XFCE, Gershwin, Plasma, and more)
+* Multiple desktop environments (Mate, XFCE, Gershwin, and KDE Plasma 6)
 * Hybrid DVD/USB image
 * Configurable ZFS memory management for build optimization
 * Gzip compression support for smaller system images
 * Enhanced error handling and debugging
 
 ## Graphics support
-* Compatible with VirtualBox, VMware, NVIDIA graphics out of the box
+* Compatible with VirtualBox, VMware, NVIDIA graphics out of box
 * SCFB support with automatic best resolution for UEFI enabled systems with Intel/AMD graphics
 
 ## System requirements
@@ -60,16 +60,17 @@ or for unstable builds:
 ```
 ./build.sh -d xfce -b release
 ```   
-#### (Option) To build GhostBSD with __KDE Plasma 6__ as default desktop
-```
-./build.sh -d plasma -b unstable
-```   
 
 #### To build GhostBSD with __Gershwin__ as default desktop
 ```
 ./build.sh -d gershwin -b release
 ```   
 
+#### To build GhostBSD with __Kde Plasma 6__ as default desktop
+```
+.build.sh -d plasma -b unstable
+```
+
 ## Build options
 
 #### ZFS Memory Control
@@ -103,6 +104,14 @@ All modes except 'off' automatically restore original ZFS settings after build c
 ./build.sh -h
 ```
 
+## Build process enhancements
+
+* **Memory requirement increase**: Builds now require 8GB minimum memory for reliable operation
+* **Smart ZFS tuning**: Automatic host ZFS ARC optimization during builds with full restoration
+* **Gzip compression**: System images are compressed for faster boot times and smaller ISOs
+* **Enhanced error handling**: Better debugging output and recovery from common build failures
+* **Login.conf fixes**: Prevents cap_mkdb errors during package installation
+
 ## Burn an image to cd:
 ```
 cdrecord /usr/local/ghostbsd-build/iso/GhostBSD-25.02-R14.3p2.iso
diff --git a/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx b/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4013539a
Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx differ
diff --git a/boot/loader.conf b/boot/loader.conf
index e7f7953e..2f6abbf5 100644
--- a/boot/loader.conf
+++ b/boot/loader.conf
@@ -47,3 +47,10 @@ hw.usb.usbhid.enable="1"
 usbhid_load="YES"
 # For UTouch Support
 utouch_load="YES"
+
+# GhostBSD Additional System Configuration  
+rc_system="bsdrc"
+crypto_load="YES"
+aesni_load="YES"
+geom_eli_load="YES"
+
diff --git a/build.sh b/build.sh
index ba4c8d75..189adbc9 100755
--- a/build.sh
+++ b/build.sh
@@ -2,16 +2,41 @@
 
 set -e -u
 
-cwd="$(realpath)"
+cwd="$(realpath .)"
 export cwd
 
 # ZFS Control Configuration
 export zfs_control="${zfs_control:-auto}"  # off, auto, conservative, aggressive, restore
 export ARC_WAS_TUNED=false  # Initialize to prevent cleanup errors
 
-# Enhanced logging function
+# -------- Logging (color-ready, default OFF) --------
+# Toggle: 0 = plain (default), 1 = color on
+# Honors NO_COLOR (https://no-color.org) and FORCE_COLOR.
+: "${LOG_COLOR:=0}"
+[ -n "${NO_COLOR:-}" ] && LOG_COLOR=0
+[ -n "${FORCE_COLOR:-}" ] && LOG_COLOR=1
+
+# ANSI color codes
+RED="\033[31m"; GREEN="\033[32m"; YELLOW="\033[33m"; BLUE="\033[34m"; CYAN="\033[36m"; RESET="\033[0m"
+
 log() {
-    echo "$(date '+%H:%M:%S') [BUILD] $*"
+    # plain if disabled or not a TTY
+    if [ "$LOG_COLOR" -ne 1 ] || [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+        echo "$*"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    # Color by common prefixes/headings
+    _c="$CYAN"
+    case "$1" in
+        ERROR:*|Error:*|error:*)    _c="$RED" ;;
+        WARNING:*|Warning:*|warn:*) _c="$YELLOW" ;;
+        SUCCESS:*|Success:*)        _c="$GREEN" ;;
+        INFO:*|Info:*)              _c="$BLUE" ;;
+        "=== "*)                    _c="$BLUE" ;;   # section headers like "=== Creating ..."
+    esac
+    # shellcheck disable=SC2059
+    printf "%b\n" "${_c}$*${RESET}"
 }
 
 error_exit() {
@@ -69,7 +94,7 @@ done
 # Validate zfs_control option
 case "$zfs_control" in
     "off"|"auto"|"conservative"|"aggressive"|"restore") ;;
-    *) 
+    *)
         printf "Invalid ZFS control option: %s\n" "$zfs_control"
         printf "Valid options: off, auto, conservative, aggressive, restore\n"
         exit 1
@@ -133,17 +158,17 @@ zfs_arc_save() {
         log "ZFS not loaded, skipping ARC management"
         return 0
     fi
-    
+
     # Save current ARC settings
     original_arc_max=$(sysctl -n vfs.zfs.arc_max 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
     original_arc_min=$(sysctl -n vfs.zfs.arc_min 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
-    
+
     log "Current ARC settings: max=${original_arc_max}, min=${original_arc_min}"
-    
+
     # Save to temp files for restoration
     echo "$original_arc_max" > /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_max
     echo "$original_arc_min" > /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_min
-    
+
     export SAVED_ARC_SETTINGS=true
 }
 
@@ -152,24 +177,24 @@ zfs_arc_analyze_and_tune() {
         log "ZFS control disabled, leaving host ARC unchanged"
         return 0
     fi
-    
+
     if ! kldstat | grep -q zfs; then
         log "ZFS not detected"
         return 0
     fi
-    
+
     # Calculate optimal build settings
     realmem=$(sysctl -n hw.realmem)
     realmem_gb=$((realmem / 1024 / 1024 / 1024))
     current_arc_max=$(sysctl -n vfs.zfs.arc_max 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
     current_arc_max_gb=$((current_arc_max / 1024 / 1024 / 1024))
-    
+
     # Calculate build-optimized ARC (30% of RAM, leaves more for build processes)
     build_arc_max=$((realmem * 30 / 100))
     build_arc_max_gb=$((build_arc_max / 1024 / 1024 / 1024))
-    
+
     log "Memory analysis: ${realmem_gb}GB total, current ARC: ${current_arc_max_gb}GB, optimal build ARC: ${build_arc_max_gb}GB"
-    
+
     # Decision logic based on zfs_control setting
     should_tune=false
     case "$zfs_control" in
@@ -198,7 +223,7 @@ zfs_arc_analyze_and_tune() {
             log "${zfs_control} mode: Applying build-optimized ARC settings"
             ;;
     esac
-    
+
     if [ "$should_tune" = "true" ]; then
         log "Applying build-optimized ZFS ARC settings..."
         sysctl vfs.zfs.arc_max=$build_arc_max >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
@@ -214,15 +239,15 @@ zfs_arc_restore() {
     if [ "$zfs_control" = "off" ] || [ "$ARC_WAS_TUNED" != "true" ]; then
         return 0
     fi
-    
+
     if [ ! -f /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_max ]; then
         log "Warning: No saved ARC settings found for restoration"
         return 0
     fi
-    
+
     original_arc_max=$(cat /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_max)
     original_arc_min=$(cat /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_min)
-    
+
     if [ "$original_arc_max" != "0" ]; then
         log "Restoring original ZFS ARC settings..."
         # shellcheck disable=SC2086
@@ -231,11 +256,11 @@ zfs_arc_restore() {
             # shellcheck disable=SC2086
             sysctl vfs.zfs.arc_min=$original_arc_min >/dev/null 2>&1 || true
         fi
-        
+
         restored_max_gb=$((original_arc_max / 1024 / 1024 / 1024))
         log "Restored ARC max to ${restored_max_gb}GB"
     fi
-    
+
     # Clean up temp files
     rm -f /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_max /tmp/ghostbsd_build_arc_min
 }
@@ -254,35 +279,35 @@ workspace()
 {
   log "=== Enhanced Workspace Setup with ZFS Control ==="
   log "ZFS control mode: ${zfs_control}"
-  
+
   # Save current ARC settings first
   zfs_arc_save
-  
+
   # Pre-build environment analysis
   log "Analyzing build environment..."
-  
+
   # 1. Memory Analysis - Updated for 8GB minimum
   realmem=$(sysctl -n hw.realmem)
   realmem_gb=$((realmem / 1024 / 1024 / 1024))
   log "Available memory: ${realmem_gb}GB"
-  
+
   if [ $realmem_gb -lt 8 ]; then
     error_exit "GhostBSD build requires at least 8GB RAM. Detected: ${realmem_gb}GB. Please use a system with more memory."
   elif [ $realmem_gb -lt 12 ]; then
     log "WARNING: 8-12GB RAM detected. Build will work but may experience memory pressure."
     log "Consider using a system with 16GB+ RAM for optimal build performance."
   fi
-  
+
   # 2. Disk Space Analysis - Updated for larger requirements
   log "Analyzing disk space..."
   workdir_avail=$(df /usr/local | tail -1 | awk '{print $4}')
   workdir_avail_gb=$((workdir_avail / 1024 / 1024))
   log "Available space in /usr/local: ${workdir_avail_gb}GB"
-  
+
   if [ $workdir_avail_gb -lt 20 ]; then
     error_exit "Insufficient disk space. Need at least 20GB free in /usr/local for 8GB minimum builds, have ${workdir_avail_gb}GB"
   fi
-  
+
   # 3. Check for previous failed builds
   if [ -d "${livecd}" ]; then
     log "Found previous build directory, analyzing..."
@@ -295,10 +320,10 @@ workspace()
       fi
     fi
   fi
-  
+
   # 4. ZFS ARC tuning with user control
   zfs_arc_analyze_and_tune
-  
+
   # Unmount any existing mounts and clean up
   log "Cleaning up previous build artifacts..."
   umount ${packages_storage} >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || true
@@ -314,7 +339,7 @@ workspace()
 
   # Detach memory device if previously attached
   mdconfig -d -u 0 >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || true
-  
+
   # Remove old pool image if it exists
   if [ -f "${livecd}/pool.img" ] ; then
     rm ${livecd}/pool.img
@@ -327,7 +352,7 @@ workspace()
   POOL_SIZE='6656M'  # 6.5GB in MB (6.5 * 1024 = 6656) - increased from 6g to accommodate larger 8GB systems
   log "Creating ${POOL_SIZE} pool image for 8GB minimum system..."
   truncate -s ${POOL_SIZE} ${livecd}/pool.img
-  
+
   # Attach the pool image as a memory disk
   mdconfig -f ${livecd}/pool.img -u 0
 
@@ -337,21 +362,21 @@ workspace()
     # Provide detailed error message in case of failure
     log "Error: Failed to create ZFS pool 'ghostbsd' with the following command:"
     log "zpool create -O mountpoint='${release}' -O compression=zstd-9 ghostbsd /dev/md0"
-    
+
     # Clean up resources in case of failure
     zpool destroy ghostbsd 2>/dev/null || true
     mdconfig -d -u 0 2>/dev/null || true
     rm -f ${livecd}/pool.img 2>/dev/null || true
-    
+
     # Exit with an error code
     exit 1
   fi
-  
+
   # Verify pool creation
   log "Verifying ZFS pool..."
   zpool status ghostbsd
   zpool list ghostbsd
-  
+
   log "Workspace setup completed successfully for 8GB minimum system"
 }
 
@@ -366,10 +391,10 @@ base()
     base_list="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/base")"
     vital_base="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/vital/base")"
   fi
-  
+
   mkdir -p ${release}/etc
   cp /etc/resolv.conf ${release}/etc/resolv.conf
-  
+
   # CRITICAL FIX: Create a proper login.conf BEFORE installing packages
   log "Creating login.conf to prevent cap_mkdb errors..."
   cat > "${release}/etc/login.conf" << 'EOF'
@@ -435,16 +460,16 @@ EOF
   # Don't try to run cap_mkdb in chroot before base packages are installed
   # Just create a minimal database file to prevent package installation failures
   touch "${release}/etc/login.conf.db"
-  
+
   # Verify the files were created
   if [ ! -f "${release}/etc/login.conf" ]; then
     error_exit "Failed to create login.conf"
   fi
   log "login.conf created successfully"
-  
+
   mkdir -p ${release}/var/cache/pkg
   mount_nullfs ${packages_storage} ${release}/var/cache/pkg
-  
+
   # Install base packages with enhanced error handling
   log "Installing base packages with login.conf fix..."
   # shellcheck disable=SC2086
@@ -456,16 +481,16 @@ EOF
     tail -20 /var/log/messages 2>/dev/null || echo "No system logs available"
     error_exit "Base package installation failed"
   fi
-  
+
   # shellcheck disable=SC2086
   pkg -r ${release} -R "${cwd}/pkg/" set -y -v 1 ${vital_base}
-  
+
   # Clean up
   rm ${release}/etc/resolv.conf
   umount ${release}/var/cache/pkg
   touch ${release}/etc/fstab
   mkdir ${release}/cdrom ${release}/mnt ${release}/media
-  
+
   log "Base system setup completed"
 }
 
@@ -488,19 +513,19 @@ set_ghostbsd_version()
 packages_software()
 {
   log "=== Installing desktop and software packages with enhanced protection ==="
-  
+
   if [ "${build_type}" = "unstable" ] ; then
     cp pkg/GhostBSD_Unstable.conf ${release}/etc/pkg/GhostBSD.conf
   fi
   if [ "${build_type}" = "testing" ] ; then
     cp pkg/GhostBSD_Testing.conf ${release}/etc/pkg/GhostBSD.conf
   fi
-  
+
   cp /etc/resolv.conf ${release}/etc/resolv.conf
   mkdir -p ${release}/var/cache/pkg
   mount_nullfs ${packages_storage} ${release}/var/cache/pkg
   mount -t devfs devfs ${release}/dev
-  
+
   # Double-check login.conf before package installation
   log "Verifying login.conf before package installation..."
   if [ ! -f "${release}/etc/login.conf" ]; then
@@ -515,19 +540,19 @@ default:\
 EOF
     chroot ${release} cap_mkdb /etc/login.conf 2>/dev/null || touch "${release}/etc/login.conf.db"
   fi
-  
+
   # Verify login.conf.db exists
   if [ ! -f "${release}/etc/login.conf.db" ]; then
     log "Creating login.conf.db..."
     chroot ${release} cap_mkdb /etc/login.conf 2>/dev/null || touch "${release}/etc/login.conf.db"
   fi
-  
+
   de_packages="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/${desktop}")"
   common_packages="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/common")"
   drivers_packages="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/drivers")"
   vital_de_packages="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/vital/${desktop}")"
   vital_common_packages="$(cat "${cwd}/packages/vital/common")"
-  
+
   # Install packages with better error handling
   log "Installing desktop environment and common packages..."
   # shellcheck disable=SC2086
@@ -537,25 +562,25 @@ EOF
     dmesg | tail -10
     log "Login.conf status:"
     ls -la ${release}/etc/login.conf*
-    
+
     # Try to fix and retry once
     log "Attempting to fix login.conf and retry..."
     chroot ${release} cap_mkdb /etc/login.conf 2>/dev/null || true
-    
+
     # shellcheck disable=SC2086
     if ! pkg -c ${release} install -y ${de_packages} ${common_packages} ${drivers_packages}; then
       error_exit "Package installation failed even after login.conf fix"
     fi
   fi
-  
+
   # shellcheck disable=SC2086
   pkg -c ${release} set -y -v 1 ${vital_de_packages} ${vital_common_packages}
-  
+
   mkdir -p ${release}/proc
   mkdir -p ${release}/compat/linux/proc
   rm ${release}/etc/resolv.conf
   umount ${release}/var/cache/pkg
-  
+
   log "Package installation completed successfully"
 }
 
@@ -579,7 +604,7 @@ fetch_x_drivers_packages()
     fetch -o ${release}/xdrivers "${pkg_url}/All/$line"
   done
   ls ${release}/xdrivers
-  
+
   log "X driver packages fetched"
 }
 
@@ -605,7 +630,7 @@ rc()
   chroot ${release} sysrc ntpd_enable="YES"
   chroot ${release} sysrc ntpd_sync_on_start="YES"
   chroot ${release} sysrc clear_tmp_enable="YES"
-  
+
   log "System services configured"
 }
 
@@ -615,6 +640,15 @@ ghostbsd_config()
   # echo "gop set 0" >> ${release}/boot/loader.rc.local
   mkdir -p ${release}/usr/local/share/ghostbsd
   echo "${desktop}" > ${release}/usr/local/share/ghostbsd/desktop
+  
+  # Add splash screen image to boot directory
+  if [ -f "${cwd}/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx" ]; then
+    cp "${cwd}/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx" "${release}/boot/splash.pcx"
+    log "Splash screen image added to boot directory"
+  else
+    log "WARNING: No splash screen image found at ${cwd}/assets/ghostbsd-logo.pcx"
+  fi
+  
   # Mkdir for linux compat to ensure /etc/fstab can mount when booting LiveCD
   chroot ${release} mkdir -p /compat/linux/dev/shm
   chroot ${release} mkdir -p /compat/linux/proc
@@ -623,11 +657,11 @@ ghostbsd_config()
   chroot ${release} touch /boot/entropy
   # default GhostBSD to local time instead of UTC
   chroot ${release} touch /etc/wall_cmos_clock
-  
+
   log "GhostBSD configuration applied"
 }
 
-# Clean desktop_config function that avoids user creation conflicts
+# Enhanced desktop_config function with post-package splash setup
 desktop_config()
 {
   # shellcheck disable=SC2218
@@ -637,78 +671,121 @@ desktop_config()
   # shellcheck disable=SC2218
   log "Loading common configuration functions..."
   . "${cwd}/common_config/base-setting.sh"
-  . "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh" 
+  . "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh"
   . "${cwd}/common_config/finalize.sh"
-  
+
   # Apply base patches and settings
   log "Applying base system patches..."
   patch_etc_files
-  
+
   # Install git packages
   log "Installing git-based packages..."
   git_pc_sysinstall
   git_gbi
   git_install_station
   git_setup_station
-  
+
   # Run desktop-specific configuration script (this handles user setup)
   log "Running desktop-specific configuration script..."
   sh "${cwd}/desktop_config/${desktop}.sh"
-  
+
   # Apply final setup
   log "Applying final system setup..."
   final_setup
+
+  # POST-PACKAGE HOOKS: Apply splash screen configuration AFTER everything else
+  log "=== POST-PACKAGE HOOKS: Applying splash screen configuration ==="
+  
+  # Source splash screen configuration
+  log "Loading splash screen configuration (post-package)..."
+  . "${cwd}/common_config/splash-setup.sh"
+
+  # Apply splash setup AFTER all packages and configs are done
+  log "Configuring splash screen system (post-package)..."
+  setup_interactive_splash
+  
+  log "Creating splash scripts (post-package)..."
+  create_extended_boot_script
+  create_interactive_boot_script
+  create_console_logo_script
+  create_boot_monitor_service
+
+  # Verify scripts were created and not overwritten
+  log "Verifying splash scripts exist after package installation..."
+  if [ -f "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot" ]; then
+    log "SUCCESS: ghostbsd-extended-boot script exists"
+  else
+    log "WARNING: ghostbsd-extended-boot script missing"
+  fi
   
-  log "Desktop configuration completed"
+  if [ -f "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot" ]; then
+    log "SUCCESS: ghostbsd-interactive-boot script exists"  
+  else
+    log "WARNING: ghostbsd-interactive-boot script missing"
+  fi
+
+  if [ -f "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo" ]; then
+    log "SUCCESS: ghostbsd-ascii-logo script exists"  
+  else
+    log "WARNING: ghostbsd-ascii-logo script missing"
+  fi
+
+  if [ -f "${release}/usr/local/etc/rc.d/ghostbsd_boot_monitor" ]; then
+    log "SUCCESS: ghostbsd_boot_monitor service exists"  
+  else
+    log "WARNING: ghostbsd_boot_monitor service missing"
+  fi
+
+  log "Desktop configuration with post-package splash hooks completed"
 }
 
 # Enhanced uzip function with zstd compression
 uzip()
 {
   log "=== Creating zstd compressed system image ==="
-  
+
   install -o root -g wheel -m 755 -d "${cd_root}"
   mkdir "${cd_root}/data"
-  
+
   # Pre-send analysis
   log "Analyzing system before image creation..."
-  
+
   # Check available space for system.img
   cd_data_avail=$(df "${cd_root}/data" | tail -1 | awk '{print $4}')
   cd_data_avail_gb=$((cd_data_avail / 1024 / 1024))
   log "Available space for system.img: ${cd_data_avail_gb}GB"
-  
+
   if [ $cd_data_avail_gb -lt 8 ]; then
     error_exit "Insufficient space for system.img. Need at least 8GB, have ${cd_data_avail_gb}GB"
   fi
-  
+
   # Analyze ZFS pool status
   log "ZFS pool analysis:"
   zpool list ghostbsd
   zfs list ghostbsd
-  
+
   # Check for any pool issues
   if ! zpool status ghostbsd | grep -q "state: ONLINE"; then
     error_exit "ZFS pool 'ghostbsd' is not in ONLINE state"
   fi
-  
+
   # Force synchronization before snapshot
   log "Synchronizing pool before snapshot..."
   sync
   zpool sync ghostbsd
   sleep 3
-  
+
   # Create snapshot with verification
   log "Creating clean snapshot..."
   if ! zfs snapshot ghostbsd@clean; then
     error_exit "Failed to create snapshot ghostbsd@clean"
   fi
-  
+
   # Verify snapshot exists
   if ! zfs list -t snapshot ghostbsd@clean >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     error_exit "Snapshot ghostbsd@clean was not created properly"
   fi
-  
+
   # Estimate send size if possible
   log "Estimating send size..."
   if command -v zstreamdump >/dev/null 2>&1; then
@@ -718,7 +795,7 @@ uzip()
       log "Estimated uncompressed send size: ${estimated_mb}MB"
     fi
   fi
-  
+
   # Start background monitoring - zstd only
   log "Starting background monitoring..."
   (
@@ -734,12 +811,12 @@ uzip()
         current_size=$(stat -f %z "${cd_root}/data/system.img" 2>/dev/null || echo 0)
         current_file="system.img"
       fi
-      
+
       if [ "$current_size" -gt 0 ]; then
         current_mb=$((current_size / 1024 / 1024))
         log "${current_file} current size: ${current_mb}MB"
       fi
-      
+
       # Check if zfs send or zstd process is still running
       if ! pgrep -f "zfs send\|zstd" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
         break
@@ -747,12 +824,12 @@ uzip()
     done
   ) &
   MONITOR_PID=$!
-  
+
   # Enhanced ZFS send with zstd compression
   log "Creating zstd compressed system image..."
   send_success=false
   compression_used="none"
-  
+
   # Use zstd compression (confirmed working)
   if command -v zstd >/dev/null 2>&1; then
     log "Using zstd -9 compression..."
@@ -767,7 +844,7 @@ uzip()
   else
     log "ERROR: zstd not available for compression"
   fi
-  
+
   # Fallback: uncompressed only
   if [ "$send_success" != "true" ]; then
     log "Zstd failed, trying uncompressed fallback..."
@@ -781,47 +858,47 @@ uzip()
       send_success=false
     fi
   fi
-  
+
   # Stop monitoring
   kill $MONITOR_PID 2>/dev/null || true
-  
+
   # Verify the created image and report compression results
   if [ "$send_success" = "true" ] && [ "$compression_used" = "zstd" ] && [ -f "${cd_root}/data/system.img.zst" ]; then
     # Zstd compressed image exists
     img_size=$(stat -f %z "${cd_root}/data/system.img.zst")
     img_size_mb=$((img_size / 1024 / 1024))
     log "Final system.img.zst size: ${img_size_mb}MB (zstd compressed)"
-    
+
     # Create compression metadata file
     echo "zstd" > "${cd_root}/data/compression.txt"
-    
+
     # Calculate compression ratio if we have the estimated size
     if [ "$estimated_size" != "unknown" ] && [ -n "$estimated_mb" ]; then
       compression_ratio=$((100 - (img_size_mb * 100 / estimated_mb)))
       log "Compression ratio: ${compression_ratio}% reduction (${estimated_mb}MB -> ${img_size_mb}MB)"
     fi
-    
+
     # Comprehensive validation
     if [ $img_size_mb -lt 100 ]; then
       error_exit "system.img.zst appears truncated (${img_size_mb}MB is too small)"
     fi
-    
+
     log "Zstd compressed system image creation completed successfully: ${img_size_mb}MB"
-    
+
   elif [ "$send_success" = "true" ] && [ "$compression_used" = "none" ] && [ -f "${cd_root}/data/system.img" ]; then
     # Uncompressed image exists
     img_size=$(stat -f %z "${cd_root}/data/system.img")
     img_size_mb=$((img_size / 1024 / 1024))
     log "Final system.img size: ${img_size_mb}MB (uncompressed)"
-    
+
     # Create compression metadata file
     echo "none" > "${cd_root}/data/compression.txt"
-    
+
     # Comprehensive validation
     if [ $img_size_mb -lt 100 ]; then
       error_exit "system.img appears truncated (${img_size_mb}MB is too small)"
     fi
-    
+
     log "Uncompressed system image creation completed successfully: ${img_size_mb}MB"
   else
     error_exit "System image creation failed"
@@ -846,7 +923,7 @@ ramdisk()
   makefs -b '10%' "${cd_root}/data/ramdisk.ufs" "${ramdisk_root}"
   gzip "${cd_root}/data/ramdisk.ufs"
   rm -rf "${ramdisk_root}"
-  
+
   log "Ramdisk creation completed"
 }
 
@@ -864,7 +941,7 @@ boot()
   # Try to unmount dev and release if mounted
   umount ${release}/dev >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || true
   umount ${release} >/dev/null 2>/dev/null || true
-  
+
   # Export ZFS pool and ensure it's clean
   log "Exporting ZFS pool..."
   zpool export ghostbsd
@@ -877,7 +954,7 @@ boot()
       break
     fi
   done
-  
+
   log "Boot environment preparation completed"
 }
 
@@ -887,16 +964,16 @@ image()
   cd script
   sh mkisoimages.sh -b $label "$iso_path" ${cd_root}
   cd -
-  
+
   # Verify ISO was created
   if [ ! -f "$iso_path" ]; then
     error_exit "ISO image was not created"
   fi
-  
+
   iso_size=$(stat -f %z "$iso_path")
   iso_size_mb=$((iso_size / 1024 / 1024))
   log "Created ISO: $(basename "$iso_path") (${iso_size_mb}MB)"
-  
+
   ls -lh "$iso_path"
   cd ${iso}
   shafile=$(echo "${iso_path}" | cut -d / -f6).sha256
@@ -910,15 +987,22 @@ image()
   transmission-create -o "${iso}/${torrent}" -t ${tracker1} -t ${tracker2} -t ${tracker3} "${iso_path}"
   chmod 644 "${iso}/${torrent}"
   cd -
-  
+
   log "=== Build completed successfully ==="
   log "ISO: $iso_path (${iso_size_mb}MB)"
   log "SHA256: ${iso}/${shafile}"
   log "Torrent: ${iso}/${torrent}"
+  log ""
+  log "=== Interactive Splash Screen Features ==="
+  log "• Boot loader splash with ESC toggle support"
+  log "• Console splash during system initialization"
+  log "• Animated service loading screen"
+  log "• ESC key reveals bootstrap messages anytime"
+  log "• Clean transition to desktop environment"
 }
 
 # Execute build pipeline with enhanced integration
-log "=== Starting GhostBSD build process ==="
+log "=== Starting GhostBSD build process with Interactive Splash Screen ==="
 log "Desktop: ${desktop}, Build type: ${build_type}, ZFS control: ${zfs_control}"
 
 workspace
@@ -927,7 +1011,7 @@ set_ghostbsd_version
 packages_software
 fetch_x_drivers_packages
 rc
-desktop_config
+desktop_config  # This now includes splash setup
 ghostbsd_config
 uzip
 ramdisk
diff --git a/common_config/autologin.sh b/common_config/autologin.sh
index 5c37dfca..df977762 100644
--- a/common_config/autologin.sh
+++ b/common_config/autologin.sh
@@ -90,3 +90,162 @@ EOF
     chown 1100:wheel "${release}/Users/${live_user}/.zshrc"
   fi
 }
+
+# FIXED FUNCTIONS FOR INTERACTIVE SPLASH SCREEN WITH TTY-SAFE EXTENDED BOOT
+
+community_setup_autologin_interactive()
+{
+  {
+    echo "# ${live_user} user autologin"
+    echo "${live_user}:\\"
+    echo ":al=${live_user}:ht:np:sp#115200:"
+  } >> "${release}/etc/gettytab"
+  sed -i "" "/ttyv0/s/Pc/${live_user}/g" "${release}/etc/ttys"
+  
+  mkdir -p "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish"
+  
+  cat > "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish/config.fish" << 'EOF'
+if not test -f /tmp/.xstarted
+    touch /tmp/.xstarted
+    set tty (tty)
+    if test $tty = "/dev/ttyv0"
+        # Start extended boot splash screen (direct call, no backgrounding)
+        if test -f /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot
+            /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot
+        end
+        
+        echo "Configuring display drivers..."
+        if test -f /usr/local/bin/xconfig
+            if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+                sudo xconfig auto
+            else
+                sudo xconfig auto >/dev/null 2>&1
+            end
+            sleep 1
+            echo "X configuration completed"
+            sleep 1
+            sudo rm -rf /xdrivers >/dev/null 2>&1
+            sleep 1
+        end
+        
+        echo "Starting desktop environment..."
+        if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+            startx
+        else
+            startx >/dev/null 2>&1
+        end
+    end
+end
+EOF
+  chmod 765 "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish/config.fish"
+}
+
+community_setup_autologin_interactive_gershwin()
+{
+  {
+    echo "# ${live_user} user autologin"
+    echo "${live_user}:\\"
+    echo ":al=${live_user}:ht:np:sp#115200:"
+  } >> "${release}/etc/gettytab"
+
+  sed -i "" "/ttyv0/s/Pc/${live_user}/g" "${release}/etc/ttys"
+
+  if [ -f "${release}/usr/local/bin/xconfig" ] ; then
+    cat > "${release}/Users/${live_user}/.zshrc" << 'EOF'
+if [ ! -f /tmp/.xstarted ]; then
+  touch /tmp/.xstarted
+  
+  # Check if extended boot script exists and run it directly (no backgrounding)
+  if [ -f /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot ]; then
+    /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot
+  else
+    echo "GhostBSD Live System Loading..."
+    sleep 2
+  fi
+  
+  echo "Configuring display drivers..."
+  if [ -f /tmp/.verbose_boot ]; then
+    sudo xconfig auto
+  else
+    sudo xconfig auto >/dev/null 2>&1
+  fi
+  sleep 1
+  echo "X configuration completed"
+  sleep 1
+  sudo rm -rf /xdrivers >/dev/null 2>&1
+  sleep 1
+  
+  echo "Starting desktop environment..."
+  if [ -f /tmp/.verbose_boot ]; then
+    startx
+  else
+    startx >/dev/null 2>&1
+  fi
+fi
+EOF
+
+    chmod 765 "${release}/Users/${live_user}/.zshrc"
+    chown 1100:wheel "${release}/Users/${live_user}/.zshrc"
+  fi
+}
+
+# Interactive autologin with extended boot splash for GhostBSD edition - FIXED
+ghostbsd_setup_autologin_interactive()
+{
+  {
+    echo "# ${live_user} user autologin"
+    echo "${live_user}:\\"
+    echo ":al=${live_user}:ht:np:sp#115200:"
+  } >> "${release}/etc/gettytab"
+  sed -i "" "/ttyv0/s/Pc/${live_user}/g" "${release}/etc/ttys"
+  
+  mkdir -p "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish"
+  printf "set tty (tty)
+  if test \$tty = \"/dev/ttyv0\"
+    # Start extended boot splash screen (direct call, no backgrounding)
+    if test -f /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot
+      /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot
+    end
+    
+    echo \"Configuring display drivers...\"
+    if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+      sudo xconfig auto
+    else
+      sudo xconfig auto >/dev/null 2>&1
+    end
+    sleep 1
+    sudo rm -rf /xdrivers >/dev/null 2>&1
+    sleep 1
+    
+    echo \"Starting desktop environment...\"
+    if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+      startx
+    else
+      startx >/dev/null 2>&1
+    end
+    sleep 1
+    if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+      startx
+    else
+      startx >/dev/null 2>&1
+    end
+  end
+" > "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish/config.fish"
+  chmod 765 "${release}/home/${live_user}/.config/fish/config.fish"
+
+  # setup root with extended boot splash support - FIXED
+  mkdir -p "${release}/root/.config/fish"
+  printf "set tty (tty)
+  if test \$tty = \"/dev/ttyv0\"
+    if test -f /tmp/.verbose_boot
+      exec startx
+    else
+      if test -f /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo
+        /usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo
+      end
+      exec startx >/dev/null 2>&1
+    end
+  end
+" > "${release}/root/.config/fish/config.fish"
+  chmod 765 "${release}/root/.config/fish/config.fish"
+}
diff --git a/common_config/finalize.sh b/common_config/finalize.sh
index 1511c402..5f4e9f7a 100755
--- a/common_config/finalize.sh
+++ b/common_config/finalize.sh
@@ -13,8 +13,70 @@ set_sudoers()
   sed -i "" -e 's/# %sudo/%sudo/g' "${release}/usr/local/etc/sudoers"
 }
 
+# NEW FUNCTION FOR QUIET BOOT SETUP
+setup_quiet_boot()
+{
+  # Suppress kernel messages during early boot
+  echo 'kern.msgbuf_show_timestamp=0' >> "${release}/etc/sysctl.conf"
+  echo 'kern.log_console_output=0' >> "${release}/etc/sysctl.conf"
+  
+  # Add quiet boot options to loader.conf if not already present
+  if ! grep -q "boot_verbose" "${release}/boot/loader.conf" 2>/dev/null; then
+    cat >> "${release}/boot/loader.conf" << 'EOF'
+
+# Quiet boot options
+boot_verbose="NO"
+autoboot_delay="3"
+EOF
+  fi
+}
+
+# NEW FUNCTION FOR LOADER SPLASH CONFIGURATION
+setup_loader_splash()
+{
+  # Loader splash disabled - "ghostbsd" is not a valid compiled brand
+  # The boot/loader.conf template already has the necessary configuration
+  :  # no-op
+}
+
+# NEW FUNCTION FOR BOOT MENU CUSTOMIZATION
+setup_boot_menu()
+{
+  # Create custom boot menu configuration
+  cat > "${release}/boot/menu.rc" << 'EOF'
+\ Boot Menu for GhostBSD Live System
+\ ESC to interrupt autoboot, or any other key to boot immediately.
+
+only forth definitions also support-functions
+
+: init-menu
+   ." Loading GhostBSD..." cr
+   ." Press ESC for boot options, or any key to continue..." cr
+;
+
+: (boot-menu)
+   init-menu
+   500 ms
+   key? if
+     drop exit
+   then
+   autoboot
+;
+
+: boot-menu
+   (boot-menu)
+;
+EOF
+
+  # Make it executable
+  chmod 644 "${release}/boot/menu.rc"
+}
+
 final_setup()
 {
   default_ghostbsd_rc_conf
   set_sudoers
+  setup_quiet_boot
+  setup_loader_splash
+  setup_boot_menu
 }
diff --git a/common_config/gitpkg.sh b/common_config/gitpkg.sh
index b3783b37..2750e68b 100755
--- a/common_config/gitpkg.sh
+++ b/common_config/gitpkg.sh
@@ -2,39 +2,126 @@
 
 set -e -u
 
+# -------- Logging (color-ready, default OFF) --------
+# Toggle: 0 = plain (default), 1 = color on
+# Honors NO_COLOR (https://no-color.org) and FORCE_COLOR.
+: "${LOG_COLOR:=0}"
+[ -n "${NO_COLOR:-}" ] && LOG_COLOR=0
+[ -n "${FORCE_COLOR:-}" ] && LOG_COLOR=1
+
+# ANSI color codes
+RED="\033[31m"; GREEN="\033[32m"; YELLOW="\033[33m"; BLUE="\033[34m"; CYAN="\033[36m"; RESET="\033[0m"
+
 log() {
-    echo "$(date '+%H:%M:%S') [GITPKG] $*"
+    # plain if disabled or not a TTY
+    if [ "$LOG_COLOR" -ne 1 ] || [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+        echo "$*"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    _c="$CYAN"
+    case "$1" in
+        ERROR:*|Error:*|error:*)    _c="$RED" ;;
+        WARNING:*|Warning:*|warn:*) _c="$YELLOW" ;;
+        SUCCESS:*|Success:*)        _c="$GREEN" ;;
+        INFO:*|Info:*)              _c="$BLUE" ;;
+    esac
+
+    # shellcheck disable=SC2059
+    printf "%b\n" "${_c}$*${RESET}"
+}
+
+# Helper function to check network connectivity
+check_network() {
+    log "INFO: Checking network connectivity to GitHub..."
+    if ping -c 1 -t 5 github.com >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+        log "SUCCESS: Network connectivity confirmed"
+        return 0
+    else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot reach github.com"
+        return 1
+    fi
+}
+
+# Helper function for git clone with timeout
+git_clone_with_timeout() {
+    local repo_url="$1"
+    local dest_path="$2"
+    local timeout="${3:-60}"  # default 60 seconds
+    local branch="${4:-}"
+    
+    local git_cmd="git clone"
+    [ -n "$branch" ] && git_cmd="$git_cmd -b $branch"
+    git_cmd="$git_cmd $repo_url $dest_path"
+    
+    log "INFO: Cloning with ${timeout}s timeout..."
+    
+    # Run git clone with timeout
+    if timeout "$timeout" sh -c "$git_cmd" 2>&1 | while IFS= read -r line; do
+        # Show progress for verbose output
+        case "$line" in
+            *"Cloning into"*|*"remote: Counting"*|*"Receiving objects"*)
+                echo "  $line"
+                ;;
+            *"error"*|*"fatal"*|*"Error"*|*"Fatal"*)
+                log "ERROR: $line"
+                ;;
+        esac
+    done; then
+        return 0
+    else
+        local exit_code=$?
+        if [ $exit_code -eq 124 ]; then
+            log "ERROR: Git clone timed out after ${timeout}s"
+        else
+            log "ERROR: Git clone failed with exit code $exit_code"
+        fi
+        return 1
+    fi
 }
 
 # Enhanced pc-sysinstall installation with proper git clone
 git_pc_sysinstall()
 {
   if [ ! -d "${release}/pc-sysinstall" ]; then
-    log "Downloading pc-sysinstall from GitHub"
-    
+    log "INFO: Downloading pc-sysinstall from GitHub"
+
     # Check if git is available
     if ! command -v git >/dev/null 2>&1; then
       log "ERROR: git not found, cannot clone pc-sysinstall"
-      log "Installing git..."
+      log "INFO: Installing git..."
       pkg install -y git || {
         log "ERROR: Failed to install git, skipping pc-sysinstall"
         return 0
       }
     fi
-    
-    # Try git clone with fallback to local copy
-    if git clone -b master https://github.com/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall.git "${release}/pc-sysinstall" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-      log "Successfully cloned pc-sysinstall from GitHub"
-    elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall" ]; then
-      log "Git clone failed, using local copy"
-      cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall "${release}/pc-sysinstall"
+
+    # Check network connectivity
+    if ! check_network; then
+      log "WARNING: No network connectivity, checking for local copy"
+      if [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall" ]; then
+        log "INFO: Using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall "${release}/pc-sysinstall"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot find local copy, skipping pc-sysinstall"
+        return 0
+      fi
     else
-      log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find pc-sysinstall, skipping"
-      return 0
+      # Try git clone with timeout and fallback to local copy
+      if git_clone_with_timeout "https://github.com/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall.git" \
+                                  "${release}/pc-sysinstall" 60 "master"; then
+        log "SUCCESS: Successfully cloned pc-sysinstall from GitHub"
+      elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall" ]; then
+        log "WARNING: Git clone failed, using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/pc-sysinstall "${release}/pc-sysinstall"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find pc-sysinstall, skipping"
+        return 0
+      fi
     fi
   fi
 
-  log "Installing pc-sysinstall"
+  log "INFO: Installing pc-sysinstall"
   cat > "${release}/config.sh" << 'EOF'
 #!/bin/sh
 set -e -u
@@ -44,11 +131,11 @@ sh install.sh >/dev/null 2>&1
 EOF
 
   if chroot "${release}" sh /config.sh; then
-    log "pc-sysinstall installed successfully"
+    log "SUCCESS: pc-sysinstall installed successfully"
   else
     log "WARNING: pc-sysinstall installation failed, continuing anyway"
   fi
-  
+
   rm -f "${release}/config.sh"
   rm -rf "${release}/pc-sysinstall"
 }
@@ -56,27 +143,40 @@ EOF
 git_gbi()
 {
   if [ ! -d "${release}/gbi" ]; then
-    log "Downloading gbi from GitHub"
-    
+    log "INFO: Downloading gbi from GitHub"
+
     # Check if git is available
     if ! command -v git >/dev/null 2>&1; then
       log "WARNING: git not found, skipping gbi"
       return 0
     fi
-    
-    # Try git clone with fallback to local copy
-    if git clone -b main https://github.com/GhostBSD/gbi.git "${release}/gbi" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-      log "Successfully cloned gbi from GitHub"
-    elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi" ]; then
-      log "Git clone failed, using local copy"
-      cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi "${release}/gbi"
+
+    # Check network connectivity
+    if ! check_network; then
+      log "WARNING: No network connectivity, checking for local copy"
+      if [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi" ]; then
+        log "INFO: Using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi "${release}/gbi"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot find local copy, skipping gbi"
+        return 0
+      fi
     else
-      log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find gbi, skipping"
-      return 0
+      # Try git clone with timeout and fallback to local copy
+      if git_clone_with_timeout "https://github.com/ghostbsd/gbi.git" \
+                                  "${release}/gbi" 60; then
+        log "SUCCESS: Successfully cloned gbi from GitHub"
+      elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi" ]; then
+        log "WARNING: Git clone failed, using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/gbi "${release}/gbi"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find gbi, skipping"
+        return 0
+      fi
     fi
   fi
 
-  log "Installing gbi"
+  log "INFO: Installing gbi"
   cat > "${release}/config.sh" << 'EOF'
 #!/bin/sh
 set -e -u
@@ -86,39 +186,52 @@ python3 setup.py install >/dev/null 2>&1
 EOF
 
   if chroot "${release}" sh /config.sh; then
-    log "gbi installed successfully"
+    log "SUCCESS: gbi installed successfully"
   else
     log "WARNING: gbi installation failed, continuing anyway"
   fi
-  
+
   rm -f "${release}/config.sh"
   rm -rf "${release}/gbi"
 }
 
 git_install_station()
-{
+ {
   if [ ! -d "${release}/install-station" ]; then
-    log "Downloading install-station from GitHub"
-    
+    log "INFO: Downloading install-station from GitHub"
+
     # Check if git is available
     if ! command -v git >/dev/null 2>&1; then
       log "WARNING: git not found, skipping install-station"
       return 0
     fi
-    
-    # Try git clone with fallback to local copy
-    if git clone https://github.com/GhostBSD/install-station.git "${release}/install-station" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-      log "Successfully cloned install-station from GitHub"
-    elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station" ]; then
-      log "Git clone failed, using local copy"
-      cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station "${release}/install-station"
+
+    # Check network connectivity
+    if ! check_network; then
+      log "WARNING: No network connectivity, checking for local copy"
+      if [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station" ]; then
+        log "INFO: Using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station "${release}/install-station"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot find local copy, skipping install-station"
+        return 0
+      fi
     else
-      log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find install-station, skipping"
-      return 0
+      # Try git clone with timeout and fallback to local copy
+      if git_clone_with_timeout "https://github.com/GhostBSD/install-station.git" \
+                                  "${release}/install-station" 60; then
+        log "SUCCESS: Successfully cloned install-station from GitHub"
+      elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station" ]; then
+        log "WARNING: Git clone failed, using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/install-station "${release}/install-station"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find install-station, skipping"
+        return 0
+      fi
     fi
   fi
 
-  log "Installing install-station"
+  log "INFO: Installing install-station"
   cat > "${release}/config.sh" << 'EOF'
 #!/bin/sh
 set -e -u
@@ -128,11 +241,11 @@ python3 setup.py install >/dev/null 2>&1
 EOF
 
   if chroot "${release}" sh /config.sh; then
-    log "install-station installed successfully"
+    log "SUCCESS: install-station installed successfully"
   else
     log "WARNING: install-station installation failed, continuing anyway"
   fi
-  
+
   rm -f "${release}/config.sh"
   rm -rf "${release}/install-station"
 }
@@ -140,27 +253,40 @@ EOF
 git_setup_station()
 {
   if [ ! -d "${release}/setup-station" ]; then
-    log "Downloading setup-station from GitHub"
-    
+    log "INFO: Downloading setup-station from GitHub"
+
     # Check if git is available
     if ! command -v git >/dev/null 2>&1; then
       log "WARNING: git not found, skipping setup-station"
       return 0
     fi
-    
-    # Try git clone with fallback to local copy
-    if git clone https://github.com/GhostBSD/setup-station.git "${release}/setup-station" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-      log "Successfully cloned setup-station from GitHub"
-    elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station" ]; then
-      log "Git clone failed, using local copy"
-      cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station "${release}/setup-station"
+
+    # Check network connectivity
+    if ! check_network; then
+      log "WARNING: No network connectivity, checking for local copy"
+      if [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station" ]; then
+        log "INFO: Using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station "${release}/setup-station"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot find local copy, skipping setup-station"
+        return 0
+      fi
     else
-      log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find setup-station, skipping"
-      return 0
+      # Try git clone with timeout and fallback to local copy
+      if git_clone_with_timeout "https://github.com/GhostBSD/setup-station.git" \
+                                  "${release}/setup-station" 60; then
+        log "SUCCESS: Successfully cloned setup-station from GitHub"
+      elif [ -d "/usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station" ]; then
+        log "WARNING: Git clone failed, using local copy"
+        cp -R /usr/home/ericbsd/projects/ghostbsd/setup-station "${release}/setup-station"
+      else
+        log "WARNING: Cannot clone or find setup-station, skipping"
+        return 0
+      fi
     fi
   fi
 
-  log "Installing setup-station"
+  log "INFO: Installing setup-station"
   cat > "${release}/config.sh" << 'EOF'
 #!/bin/sh
 set -e -u
@@ -170,11 +296,11 @@ python3 setup.py install >/dev/null 2>&1
 EOF
 
   if chroot "${release}" sh /config.sh; then
-    log "setup-station installed successfully"
+    log "SUCCESS: setup-station installed successfully"
   else
     log "WARNING: setup-station installation failed, continuing anyway"
   fi
-  
+
   rm -f "${release}/config.sh"
   rm -rf "${release}/setup-station"
 }
diff --git a/common_config/setuser.sh b/common_config/setuser.sh
index 74bb3b00..6caf2ca8 100755
--- a/common_config/setuser.sh
+++ b/common_config/setuser.sh
@@ -66,4 +66,120 @@ community_setup_liveuser_gershwin()
   set_user_gershwin
   chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "xdg-user-dirs-update"
   chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "ln -sf /System/Applications/Installer.app \"/Users/${live_user}/Desktop/Installer.app\""
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
+
+# NEW FUNCTIONS FOR INTERACTIVE SPLASH SCREEN SUPPORT
+
+ghostbsd_setup_liveuser_interactive()
+{
+  # Set up user first
+  set_user
+  
+  # Configure GTK settings
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "mkdir -p /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo '[Settings]' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'gtk-application-prefer-dark-theme = false' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'gtk-theme-name = Vimix' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'gtk-icon-theme-name = Vivacious-Colors-Dark' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'gtk-font-name = Droid Sans Bold 12' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  
+  # Configure root GTK settings
+  mkdir -p "${release}/root/.config/gtk-3.0"
+  {
+    echo '[Settings]'
+    echo 'gtk-application-prefer-dark-theme = false'
+    echo 'gtk-theme-name = Vimix'
+    echo 'gtk-icon-theme-name = Vivacious-Colors-Dark'
+    echo 'gtk-font-name = Droid Sans Bold 12'
+  } > "${release}/root/.config/gtk-3.0/settings.ini"
+  
+  # Create splash screen configuration directory for user
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "mkdir -p /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'splash_enabled=yes' > /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'esc_to_verbose=yes' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+}
+
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive()
+{
+  # Set up user first
+  set_user
+  
+  # Create desktop directory
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "mkdir -p /home/${live_user}/Desktop"
+
+  # Set up GBI installer desktop shortcut
+  if [ -e "${release}/usr/local/share/applications/gbi.desktop" ] ; then
+   chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c  "cp -af /usr/local/share/applications/gbi.desktop /home/${live_user}/Desktop"
+   chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c  "chmod +x /home/${live_user}/Desktop/gbi.desktop"
+   sed -i '' -e 's/NoDisplay=true/NoDisplay=false/g' "${release}/home/${live_user}/Desktop/gbi.desktop"
+   # Trust desktop file for XFCE 4.18+ using checksum metadata
+   if [ "${desktop}" = "xfce" ] ; then
+     chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c '
+       dbus-run-session -- sh -c "
+         /usr/local/libexec/gvfsd >/dev/null 2>&1 &
+         /usr/local/libexec/gvfsd-metadata >/dev/null 2>&1 &
+         sleep 1
+         f=\$HOME/Desktop/gbi.desktop
+         sum=\$(sha256 -q \"\$f\")
+         gio set -t string \"\$f\" metadata::xfce-exe-checksum \"\$sum\"
+       "
+     '
+   fi
+  fi
+  
+  # Create splash screen configuration directory for user
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "mkdir -p /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'splash_enabled=yes' > /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+  chroot "${release}" su "${live_user}" -c "echo 'esc_to_verbose=yes' >> /home/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+  
+  # Create desktop notification script for splash info
+  cat > "${release}/home/${live_user}/Desktop/splash-info.txt" << 'EOF'
+GhostBSD Interactive Splash Screen
+
+Features:
+- Press ESC during boot to view bootstrap messages
+- Boot loader splash screen with 3-second delay
+- Console splash during system initialization
+- Animated service loading screen
+- Clean transition to desktop environment
+
+The splash screen provides a professional boot experience
+while allowing developers and power users to access
+detailed system messages when needed.
+EOF
+chroot "${release}" chown "${live_user}:wheel" "/home/${live_user}/Desktop/splash-info.txt"
+}
+
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive_gershwin()
+{
+  # Set up user first  
+  set_user_gershwin
+  
+  # Update user directories
+  chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "xdg-user-dirs-update"
+  
+  # Create installer shortcut
+  chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "ln -sf /System/Applications/Installer.app \"/Users/${live_user}/Desktop/Installer.app\""
+  
+  # Create splash screen configuration directory for user
+  chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "mkdir -p /Users/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd"
+  chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "echo 'splash_enabled=yes' > /Users/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+  chroot "${release}" su - "${live_user}" -c "echo 'esc_to_verbose=yes' >> /Users/${live_user}/.config/ghostbsd/boot.conf"
+  
+  # Create desktop notification script for splash info (macOS-style)
+  cat > "${release}/Users/${live_user}/Desktop/GhostBSD Splash Info.txt" << 'EOF'
+GhostBSD Interactive Splash Screen
+
+Features:
+- Press ESC during boot to view bootstrap messages
+- Boot loader splash screen with 3-second delay
+- Console splash during system initialization  
+- Animated service loading screen
+- Clean transition to desktop environment
+
+The splash screen provides a professional boot experience
+while allowing developers and power users to access
+detailed system messages when needed.
+EOF
+  chroot "${release}" chown "1100:wheel" "/Users/${live_user}/Desktop/GhostBSD Splash Info.txt"
+}
diff --git a/common_config/splash-setup.sh b/common_config/splash-setup.sh
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..b21a617d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/common_config/splash-setup.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,252 @@
+#!/bin/sh
+
+set -e -u
+
+# Shared logo function to reduce duplication
+create_logo_function() {
+    cat << 'EOF'
+show_ghostbsd_logo() {
+    cat << 'LOGO_EOF'
+╔═══════════════════════════════════╗
+║                                   ║
+║         G h o s t B S D           ║
+║            ──────────             ║
+║           Live  System            ║
+║                                   ║
+╚═══════════════════════════════════╝
+LOGO_EOF
+}
+
+EOF
+}
+
+setup_interactive_splash()
+{
+  echo "Current working directory: $(pwd)"
+  echo "cwd variable: ${cwd}"
+  
+  # Splash configuration - no bootloader logo modifications
+  echo "Console splash system configured (init.sh.in handles early boot splash)"
+}
+
+create_extended_boot_script()
+{
+  echo "Creating extended boot script at ${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot"
+  
+  cat > "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot" << 'EOF'
+#!/bin/sh
+# Extended boot splash - SIMPLIFIED for late boot phase (post init.sh.in)
+
+EOF
+  # Add the logo function to the script
+  create_logo_function >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot"
+  
+  cat >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot" << 'EOF'
+# Check if we're in a proper terminal environment
+if [ ! -t 0 ] || [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+    # Not in interactive terminal, skip splash
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+# Redirect stderr to avoid boot message conflicts
+exec 2>/dev/null
+
+SPLASH_DURATION=3
+
+show_boot_phases() {
+    _counter=0
+    
+    while [ $_counter -lt $((SPLASH_DURATION * 10)) ]; do
+        # Update display
+        if command -v clear >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            clear 2>/dev/null || printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+        else
+            printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+        fi
+        printf "\033[?25l" 2>/dev/null || true  # Hide cursor
+        
+        show_ghostbsd_logo
+        
+        echo ""
+        echo " Finalizing Desktop Setup..."
+        echo ""
+        
+        # Progress indicator
+        PROGRESS=$(($_counter * 100 / (SPLASH_DURATION * 10)))
+        if [ $PROGRESS -gt 100 ]; then
+            PROGRESS=100
+        fi
+        
+        printf " ["
+        FILLED=$((PROGRESS / 5))
+        p=1
+        while [ $p -le 20 ]; do
+            if [ $p -le $FILLED ]; then
+                printf "█"
+            else
+                printf "░"
+            fi
+            p=$((p + 1))
+        done
+        printf "] %d%%\n" $PROGRESS
+        echo ""
+        
+        sleep 0.1
+        _counter=$(($_counter + 1))
+    done
+    
+    # Restore terminal
+    printf "\033[?25h" 2>/dev/null || true  # Show cursor
+}
+
+# Check if verbose boot was requested
+if [ -f /tmp/.verbose_boot ]; then
+    clear 2>/dev/null || true
+    echo "GhostBSD Bootstrap Messages:"
+    echo "=================================="
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+# Run splash
+show_boot_phases
+
+# Clean exit
+clear 2>/dev/null || true
+
+exit 0
+EOF
+
+  chmod +x "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-extended-boot"
+  echo "Extended boot script created (late-boot phase only)"
+}
+
+create_interactive_boot_script()
+{
+  echo "Creating interactive boot script at ${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot"
+  
+  cat > "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot" << 'EOF'
+#!/bin/sh
+# Interactive boot screen - SIMPLIFIED for late boot phase
+
+EOF
+  # Add the logo function to the script
+  create_logo_function >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot"
+  
+  cat >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot" << 'EOF'
+# Check if we're in a proper terminal environment
+if [ ! -t 0 ] || [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+    # Not in interactive terminal, skip splash
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+# Redirect stderr to avoid boot message conflicts
+exec 2>/dev/null
+
+SPLASH_DURATION=2
+
+show_logo_with_message() {
+    _counter=0
+    
+    while [ $_counter -lt $((SPLASH_DURATION * 10)) ]; do
+        # Update display
+        if command -v clear >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            clear 2>/dev/null || printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+        else
+            printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+        fi
+        printf "\033[?25l" 2>/dev/null || true  # Hide cursor
+        
+        show_ghostbsd_logo
+        
+        echo ""
+        echo " Starting Desktop..."
+        echo ""
+        
+        sleep 0.1
+        _counter=$(($_counter + 1))
+    done
+    
+    # Restore terminal
+    printf "\033[?25h" 2>/dev/null || true  # Show cursor
+}
+
+# Check if verbose boot was requested or skip splash flag
+if [ -f /tmp/.verbose_boot ] || [ "${1:-}" = "--no-splash" ]; then
+    clear 2>/dev/null || true
+    echo "GhostBSD Bootstrap Messages:"
+    echo "=================================="
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+# Run splash
+show_logo_with_message
+
+# Clean exit
+clear 2>/dev/null || true
+
+exit 0
+EOF
+
+  chmod +x "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-interactive-boot"
+  echo "Interactive boot script created (late-boot phase only)"
+}
+
+create_console_logo_script()
+{
+  echo "Creating console logo script at ${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo"
+  
+  cat > "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo" << 'EOF'
+#!/bin/sh
+# Display GhostBSD ASCII logo - SIMPLIFIED
+
+EOF
+  # Add the logo function to the script
+  create_logo_function >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo"
+  
+  cat >> "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo" << 'EOF'
+# Check if we're in a proper terminal environment
+if [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+    # Not in interactive terminal, just show simple message
+    echo "GhostBSD Loading..."
+    sleep 1
+    exit 0
+fi
+
+# Safe terminal clear
+if command -v clear >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    clear 2>/dev/null || printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+else
+    printf "\033[2J\033[H" 2>/dev/null || true
+fi
+
+show_ghostbsd_logo
+
+echo ""
+echo "Starting Desktop..."
+echo "Please wait..."
+
+sleep 2
+printf "\n"
+EOF
+
+  chmod +x "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-ascii-logo"
+  echo "Console logo script created (simplified)"
+}
+
+# NOTE: No boot monitor service since init.sh.in handles early boot splash
+create_boot_monitor_service()
+{
+  echo "Skipping boot monitor service - init.sh.in handles early boot splash"
+  
+  # Create a minimal service for consistency if needed
+  cat > "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-service-splash" << 'EOF'
+#!/bin/sh
+# Minimal service splash placeholder - init.sh.in handles the real work
+
+echo "ghostbsd desktop loading..."
+sleep 1
+EOF
+
+  chmod +x "${release}/usr/local/bin/ghostbsd-service-splash"
+  echo "Created minimal service placeholder"
+}
diff --git a/desktop_config/gershwin.sh b/desktop_config/gershwin.sh
index 295db8a4..7d2dbe62 100644
--- a/desktop_config/gershwin.sh
+++ b/desktop_config/gershwin.sh
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 #!/bin/sh
-
 set -e -u
 
 . "${cwd}/common_config/autologin.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/base-setting.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/finalize.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/setuser.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/splash-setup.sh"
 
 lightdm_setup()
 {
@@ -20,9 +21,16 @@ setup_xinit()
   echo "exec /usr/local/bin/gershwin-x11" > "${release}/usr/share/skel/dot.xinitrc"
 }
 
+# Apply base system patches
 patch_etc_files
-community_setup_liveuser_gershwin
-community_setup_autologin_gershwin
+
+# Set up user and autologin with interactive splash support (using Gershwin functions)
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive_gershwin
+community_setup_autologin_interactive_gershwin
+
+# Configure desktop environment
 lightdm_setup
 setup_xinit
+
+# Apply final setup
 final_setup
diff --git a/desktop_config/mate.sh b/desktop_config/mate.sh
index 82d12842..7d4e7157 100644
--- a/desktop_config/mate.sh
+++ b/desktop_config/mate.sh
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@ set -e -u
 . "${cwd}/common_config/autologin.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/base-setting.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/finalize.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/setuser.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/splash-setup.sh"
 
 lightdm_setup()
 {
@@ -24,9 +26,16 @@ setup_xinit()
   echo "exec ck-launch-session mate-session" > "${release}/usr/share/skel/dot.xinitrc"
 }
 
+# Apply base system patches
 patch_etc_files
-community_setup_liveuser
-community_setup_autologin
+
+# Set up user and autologin with interactive splash support
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive
+community_setup_autologin_interactive
+
+# Configure desktop environment
 lightdm_setup
 setup_xinit
+
+# Apply final setup
 final_setup
diff --git a/desktop_config/plasma.sh b/desktop_config/plasma.sh
index b4429cf4..fa7b7ba3 100644
--- a/desktop_config/plasma.sh
+++ b/desktop_config/plasma.sh
@@ -6,7 +6,9 @@ set -e -u
 . "${cwd}/common_config/autologin.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/base-setting.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/finalize.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/setuser.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/splash-setup.sh"
 
 sddm_setup() {
   # Path to SDDM config
@@ -55,8 +57,8 @@ setup_xinit() {
 
 # Execute setup routines
 patch_etc_files
-community_setup_liveuser
-community_setup_autologin
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive
+community_setup_autologin_interactive
 sddm_setup
 setup_xinit
 final_setup
diff --git a/desktop_config/xfce.sh b/desktop_config/xfce.sh
index 8603e25d..58de3029 100644
--- a/desktop_config/xfce.sh
+++ b/desktop_config/xfce.sh
@@ -5,7 +5,9 @@ set -e -u
 . "${cwd}/common_config/autologin.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/base-setting.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/finalize.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/gitpkg.sh"
 . "${cwd}/common_config/setuser.sh"
+. "${cwd}/common_config/splash-setup.sh"
 
 lightdm_setup()
 {
@@ -20,9 +22,16 @@ setup_xinit()
   echo "exec ck-launch-session startxfce4" > "${release}/usr/share/skel/dot.xinitrc"
 }
 
+# Apply base system patches
 patch_etc_files
-community_setup_liveuser
-community_setup_autologin
+
+# Set up user and autologin with interactive splash support
+community_setup_liveuser_interactive
+community_setup_autologin_interactive
+
+# Configure desktop environment
 lightdm_setup
 setup_xinit
+
+# Apply final setup
 final_setup
diff --git a/init.sh.in b/init.sh.in
index e3f3c5f7..6ecd2d5f 100644
--- a/init.sh.in
+++ b/init.sh.in
@@ -57,18 +57,196 @@ normalize_used_token() {
 
 # Simplified monitor - avoid background processes in rescue environment
 start_monitor() {
-    log "DEBUG: Monitor function called (simplified version)"
+    log "Monitor function called"
     # Return a dummy PID to avoid hanging
     echo "999"
 }
 
-# -------- Logging / errors --------
+# -------- Splash Screen Functions (rescue-safe) --------
+
+SPLASH_ENABLED=0
+PROGRESS=0
+SPLASH_PHASE="Starting..."
+
+# Shared logo function to reduce duplication
+show_ghostbsd_logo() {
+    cat << 'EOF'
+╔═══════════════════════════════════╗
+║                                   ║
+║         G h o s t B S D           ║
+║            ──────────             ║
+║           Live  System            ║
+║                                   ║
+╚═══════════════════════════════════╝
+EOF
+}
+
+# Check if we should show splash (console tty and no verbose mode requested)
+# Rescue-safe TTY detection without using 'tty' command
+init_splash() {
+    # Check for verbose boot parameter or file
+    if [ -f /tmp/.verbose_boot ] || grep -q "verbose" /proc/cmdline 2>/dev/null; then
+        SPLASH_ENABLED=0
+        echo "GhostBSD Bootstrap Messages:"
+        echo "=================================="
+        echo "Verbose boot mode enabled"
+        echo ""
+        return
+    fi
+    
+    # Check if stdout is a terminal and console device exists
+    if [ -t 1 ] && [ -c /dev/ttyv0 ] 2>/dev/null; then
+        SPLASH_ENABLED=1
+        clear_screen
+        show_splash
+    else
+        SPLASH_ENABLED=0
+    fi
+}
+
+clear_screen() {
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 1 ]; then
+        printf "\033[2J\033[H\033[?25l"
+    fi
+}
+
+show_splash() {
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 0 ]; then
+        return
+    fi
+    
+    clear_screen
+    
+    show_ghostbsd_logo
+    
+    echo ""
+    echo " ${SPLASH_PHASE}"
+    echo ""
+    
+    # Progress bar (rescue-safe, no seq command)
+    printf " ["
+    filled=$((PROGRESS / 5))
+    i=1
+    while [ $i -le 20 ]; do
+        if [ $i -le $filled ]; then
+            printf "█"
+        else
+            printf "░"
+        fi
+        i=$((i + 1))
+    done
+    printf "] %d%%\n" $PROGRESS
+    echo ""
+}
+
+update_splash() {
+    _new_phase="$1"
+    _new_progress="$2"
+    
+    SPLASH_PHASE="$_new_phase"
+    PROGRESS="$_new_progress"
+    
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 1 ]; then
+        show_splash
+    fi
+}
+
+finish_splash() {
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 1 ]; then
+        printf "\033[?25h"  # Show cursor
+        clear_screen
+    fi
+}
+
+# -------- Logging / errors (color-ready, default OFF) with splash integration --------
+
+# Toggle: 0 = plain (default), 1 = color on
+: "${LOG_COLOR:=0}"
+
+# ANSI color codes
+RED="\033[31m"; GREEN="\033[32m"; YELLOW="\033[33m"; BLUE="\033[34m"; CYAN="\033[36m"; RESET="\033[0m"
 
 log() {
-    echo "$(date '+%H:%M:%S') [INIT] $*"
+    # Handle splash updates based on log messages
+    case "$*" in
+        *"GhostBSD Live System Initialization"*)
+            init_splash
+            update_splash "System Analysis..." 2
+            ;;
+        *"System Analysis"*)
+            update_splash "System Analysis..." 5
+            ;;
+        *"Remount rootfs"*)
+            update_splash "Mounting filesystems..." 8
+            ;;
+        *"Waiting for GhostBSD media"*)
+            update_splash "Detecting boot media..." 12
+            ;;
+        *"Found /dev/iso9660/GHOSTBSD"*)
+            update_splash "Boot media found..." 15
+            ;;
+        *"Mount GhostBSD media"*)
+            update_splash "Mounting boot media..." 18
+            ;;
+        *"Mount swap-based memdisk"*)
+            update_splash "Creating memory disk..." 22
+            ;;
+        *"Creating ZFS pool"*)
+            update_splash "Creating ZFS pool..." 25
+            ;;
+        *"ZFS pool created successfully"*)
+            update_splash "ZFS pool ready..." 30
+            ;;
+        *"System Image Analysis"*)
+            update_splash "Analyzing system image..." 35
+            ;;
+        *"compression type"*)
+            update_splash "Loading system image..." 38
+            ;;
+        *"Starting"*"decompression"*)
+            update_splash "Decompressing system..." 42
+            ;;
+        *"receive completed successfully"*)
+            update_splash "System loaded..." 85
+            ;;
+        *"Post-Receive Configuration"*)
+            update_splash "Configuring system..." 90
+            ;;
+        *"System Load Complete"*)
+            update_splash "Finalizing setup..." 95
+            ;;
+        *"Initialization completed successfully"*)
+            update_splash "Boot complete!" 100
+            sleep 2
+            finish_splash
+            ;;
+    esac
+
+    # Original logging functionality - only show if splash disabled
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 0 ]; then
+        # If not a TTY or color disabled, print plain
+        if [ "$LOG_COLOR" -ne 1 ] || [ ! -t 1 ]; then
+            echo "$*"
+            return
+        fi
+
+        # Choose color by prefix
+        _c="$CYAN"
+        case "$1" in
+            ERROR:*|Error:*|error:*)    _c="$RED" ;;
+            WARNING:*|Warning:*|warn:*) _c="$YELLOW" ;;
+            SUCCESS:*|Success:*)        _c="$GREEN" ;;
+            INFO:*|Info:*)              _c="$BLUE" ;;
+        esac
+        # shellcheck disable=SC2059
+        printf "%b\n" "${_c} $*${RESET}"
+    fi
 }
 
 error_exit() {
+    if [ $SPLASH_ENABLED -eq 1 ]; then
+        finish_splash
+    fi
     log "ERROR: $*"
     exit 1
 }
@@ -101,6 +279,7 @@ timeout=60
 while [ $timeout -gt 0 ]; do
     if [ -e "/dev/iso9660/GHOSTBSD" ]; then
         log "Found /dev/iso9660/GHOSTBSD"
+        LOG_COLOR=1   # enable color now that we're booting the live ISO
         sleep 2
         break
     fi
@@ -112,7 +291,7 @@ if [ $timeout -eq 0 ]; then
     error_exit "Timeout waiting for GhostBSD media"
 fi
 
-log "Mount cdrom"
+echo "Mount GhostBSD media"
 if ! mount_cd9660 /dev/iso9660/@VOLUME@ /cdrom; then
     error_exit "Failed to mount cdrom"
 fi
@@ -277,74 +456,86 @@ log "=== System Image Loading with Zstd Compression Support ==="
 receive_success=false
 receive_method=""
 
-log "DEBUG: Skipping complex monitoring in rescue environment"
+log "Skipping complex monitoring in rescue environment"
 # Simplified monitoring - no background processes
 MONITOR_PID="999"
-log "DEBUG: Using simplified monitor (PID: $MONITOR_PID)"
+log "Using simplified monitor (PID: $MONITOR_PID)"
 
-log "DEBUG: Compression type: ${compression_type}"
-log "DEBUG: System image path: ${system_img_path}"
-log "DEBUG: About to attempt streaming receive"
+log "Compression type: ${compression_type}"
+log "System image path: ${system_img_path}"
+log "About to attempt streaming receive"
 
 log "Attempting direct streaming receive with ${compression_type} decompression"
 
 case "$compression_type" in
     "zstd")
-        log "DEBUG: Starting zstd decompression + ZFS receive (with force flag)"
+        log "Starting zstd decompression + ZFS receive"
+        update_splash "Decompressing system..." 45
         if zstd -dc "${system_img_path}" 2>/tmp/zstd1.log | zfs recv -F livecd 2>/tmp/zfs_recv1.log; then
             log "Zstd decompression + receive completed successfully"
             receive_success=true
             receive_method="zstd_stream"
         else
             log "Zstd streaming failed"
-            log "DEBUG: zstd/zfs recv pipeline exit code: $?"
+            log "zstd/zfs recv pipeline exit code: $?"
             [ -f /tmp/zstd1.log ] && log "Zstd log:" && cat /tmp/zstd1.log
             [ -f /tmp/zfs_recv1.log ] && log "ZFS recv log:" && cat /tmp/zfs_recv1.log
         fi
         ;;
     "none")
-        log "DEBUG: Starting direct DD + ZFS receive (with force flag)"
+        log "Starting direct DD + ZFS receive"
+        update_splash "Loading system image..." 45
         if dd if="${system_img_path}" bs=1m 2>/tmp/dd1.log | zfs recv -F livecd 2>/tmp/zfs_recv1.log; then
             log "Uncompressed direct streaming receive completed successfully"
             receive_success=true
             receive_method="direct_stream"
         else
             log "Direct streaming receive failed"
-            log "DEBUG: dd/zfs recv pipeline exit code: $?"
+            log "dd/zfs recv pipeline exit code: $?"
             [ -f /tmp/dd1.log ] && log "DD log:" && cat /tmp/dd1.log
             [ -f /tmp/zfs_recv1.log ] && log "ZFS recv log:" && cat /tmp/zfs_recv1.log
         fi
         ;;
 esac
 
-log "DEBUG: After first attempt, receive_success=$receive_success"
+# Add progress update after first attempt
+if [ "$receive_success" = "true" ]; then
+    update_splash "System image loaded..." 75
+fi
+
+log "After first attempt, receive_success=$receive_success"
 
 # Fallback forced receive
 if [ "$receive_success" != "true" ]; then
     log "Direct streaming failed, trying forced receive methods..."
+    update_splash "Retrying system load..." 50
     case "$compression_type" in
         "zstd")
-            log "DEBUG: Attempting zstd forced receive"
+            log "Attempting zstd forced receive"
+            update_splash "Decompressing system (retry)..." 55
             if zstd -dc "${system_img_path}" 2>/tmp/zstd2.log | zfs recv -F livecd 2>/tmp/zfs_recv2.log; then
                 log "Zstd forced receive completed successfully"
                 receive_success=true
                 receive_method="zstd_forced"
+                update_splash "System image loaded..." 75
             else
                 log "Zstd forced receive failed"
-                log "DEBUG: Forced receive exit code: $?"
+                log "Forced receive exit code: $?"
                 [ -f /tmp/zstd2.log ] && log "Zstd error log:" && cat /tmp/zstd2.log
                 [ -f /tmp/zfs_recv2.log ] && log "ZFS recv error log:" && cat /tmp/zfs_recv2.log
             fi
             ;;
         "none")
-            log "DEBUG: Attempting direct forced receive"
+            log "Attempting direct forced receive"
+            update_splash "Loading system (retry)..." 55
             if dd if="${system_img_path}" bs=64k 2>/tmp/dd2.log | zfs recv -F livecd 2>/tmp/zfs_recv2.log; then
                 log "Uncompressed forced receive completed successfully"
                 receive_success=true
                 receive_method="direct_forced"
+                update_splash "System image loaded..." 75
             else
                 log "Uncompressed forced receive failed"
-                log "DEBUG: Forced receive exit code: $?"
+                log "Forced receive exit code: $?"
                 [ -f /tmp/dd2.log ] && log "DD error log:" && cat /tmp/dd2.log
                 [ -f /tmp/zfs_recv2.log ] && log "ZFS recv error log:" && cat /tmp/zfs_recv2.log
             fi
@@ -352,26 +543,30 @@ if [ "$receive_success" != "true" ]; then
     esac
 fi
 
-log "DEBUG: After forced attempt, receive_success=$receive_success"
+log "After forced attempt, receive_success=$receive_success"
 
 # Last resort: decompress to memory first (space-checked)
 if [ "$receive_success" != "true" ] && [ "$compression_type" = "zstd" ]; then
     log "All streaming methods failed, attempting zstd decompress-to-memory approach..."
+    update_splash "Trying alternate method..." 60
     tmp_avail_kb=$(df_avail_kb /tmp)
     tmp_avail_mb=$((tmp_avail_kb / 1024))
-    log "DEBUG: Available temp space: ${tmp_avail_mb}MB, need: ~${estimated_decompressed_mb}MB"
+    log "Available temp space: ${tmp_avail_mb}MB, need: ~${estimated_decompressed_mb}MB"
     
     if [ $tmp_avail_mb -gt $((estimated_decompressed_mb + 100)) ]; then
         log "Decompressing zstd to /tmp/system.img (estimated ${estimated_decompressed_mb}MB)"
+        update_splash "Decompressing to memory..." 65
         if zstd -dc "${system_img_path}" > /tmp/system.img 2>/tmp/zstd_decompress.log; then
             log "Zstd decompression completed, attempting receive"
             actual_size=$(file_size_bytes /tmp/system.img)
             actual_size_mb=$((actual_size / 1024 / 1024))
             log "Actual decompressed size: ${actual_size_mb}MB"
+            update_splash "Loading decompressed image..." 70
             if zfs recv -F livecd < /tmp/system.img 2>/tmp/zfs_recv3.log; then
                 log "Zstd decompress-then-receive completed successfully"
                 receive_success=true
                 receive_method="zstd_decompress_then_receive"
+                update_splash "System image loaded..." 75
             else
                 log "Zstd decompress-then-receive failed:"
                 cat /tmp/zfs_recv3.log
@@ -386,10 +581,10 @@ if [ "$receive_success" != "true" ] && [ "$compression_type" = "zstd" ]; then
     fi
 fi
 
-log "DEBUG: After all attempts, receive_success=$receive_success"
+log "After all attempts, receive_success=$receive_success"
 
 # Simplified cleanup - no background processes to manage
-log "DEBUG: Simplified monitor cleanup (no background processes used)"
+log "Simplified monitor cleanup (no background processes used)"
 
 # -------- Final result check --------