[Tails-testers] Please test Tails ISO with updated syslinux

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Author: intrigeri
Date:  
To: tails-testers
CC: tails-dev
Subject: [Tails-testers] Please test Tails ISO with updated syslinux
Hi fellow Tails testers,

I'd like to upgrade the boot loader we use (syslinux) in Tails 1.2.
I need a lot of tests to be done in order 1. to get enough confidence
that it does not introduce too many regressions; 2. to confirm,
hopefully, that the new version fixes a few known issues.

So, here's what I need you to do:

  1. Take notes about how the hardware you have supports Tails 1.1, in
     terms of "does it boot at all":
     - using a DVD
     - using a USB device installed the good old "manual" (isohybrid +
       cat) way
     - using a USB device installed with Tails Installer
     - using a USB device installed with the Universal USB Installer
     - all of the above, but switching from Legacy mode (MBR) to UEFI,
       or vice-versa


  2. Download the latest ISO built from the experimental branch:
     http://nightly.tails.boum.org/build_Tails_ISO_experimental/


  3. Try starting Tails with a device created using this ISO, and take
     detailed notes of any regression or improvement compared to
     Tails 1.1:
     - using a DVD
     - using a USB device installed the good old "manual" (isohybrid +
       cat) way
     - using a USB device installed with Tails Installer
     - using a USB device installed with the Universal USB Installer
     - all of the above, but switching from Legacy mode (MBR) to UEFI,
       or vice-versa


  4. Send us your report, ideally with WhisperBack (from a Tails
     system installed with the new ISO), or to me personally. If you
     discover unrelated regressions in this experimental ISO, feel
     free to report about it too.


What I am *particularly* interested about is:

* Regressions.

* Improvements.

  * Tests with our boot menu background image re-enabled, especially
    on Mac. Uncomment this line in EFI/BOOT/stdmenu.cfg on the Tails
    USB stick:


      menu background splash.png


  * Especially on Mac, same as above, but also add this line to
    EFI/BOOT/tails.cfg on the Tails USB stick:


      MENU RESOLUTION 1024 768


  * Tests in VirtualBox (report back what exact version of VirtualBox
    you're using, and on which OS).


  * Tests in QEMU with OVMF (if you don't know what I'm talking
    about, don't bother).


Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
--
intrigeri