Linux framebuffer

The Linux framebuffer is a graphic hardware-independent abstraction layer to show graphics on a console without relying on system-specific libraries such as svgalib[?] or the heavy overhead of the X Window System.

It was originally implemented to allow the Linux kernel to emulate a text console on systems such as the Apple Macintosh that do not have a text-mode display, and was later expanded to Linux's originally-supported IBM PC compatible platform, where it became popular largely for the ability to show the Tux logo on boot up.