If you mean a uniform gray pattern, then that's very normal (that's what the screen is supposed to display during the memory test). If you are booting from a cold start, the crt will probably be dark during the interval when some other garbage might be visible. However, if you have a crash, for example, and hit the reset button, you may very well see some interesting frames before normal boot takes over.Ah, that make me feel better. Thanks for the tip on the mouse button. Even from zip disks, this mac really screams with speed. (Try System 4.1)
EDIT: the pattern doesn't alter, BTW, it's always the "fake" gray.
And it is amazing that an 8MHz computer can feel peppy. It's a real testament to the craftsmanship of the Mac team. From cold start to editing text in under 20 seconds is easily within grasp for the Plus, but a stretch for my multi-GHz Windows box...