GNU/Linux Distribution Timeline

A real gem in the Internet: http://futurist.se/gldt/

Direct link to version 11.4:

Legend to connectors:

Customize GRUB2 - StartUp-Manager

http://apcmag.com/customise-ubuntu-with-grub.htm
(includes instructions for 'Fixing Plymouth with NVIDIA/ATI', if you use NVIDIA cards and the official NVIDIA drivers)

Ubuntu documentation: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/StartUpManager
(the tool is to be found in "Applications > Administration > StartUp Manager")