Ever since Sony deemed users not worthy of installing a 2nd operating system onto its PlayStation 3 gaming console – after initially touting it as a feature – the hacking community has been on the lookout for a way to re-instating the option. A new hack does just that, allowing users of a Linux-persuasion to install a separate OS.
Available now from PSX-Scene, the hack will allow users to install any Linux distro onto their PlayStation 3 and a handy 5-step guide has been put together by a forum-goer for those wishing to give it a shot.
Ok so you’ve been playing about with linux on the ps3 and find that debian isnt your first choice distro…ok so im guna explain the process on how to get which ever distro you like up and running on your ps3.
The first step is you require some certain pieces of software to do this;1) You need to download the powerpc64 version of the distro of your choice
e.g http://www.megaupload.com/?d=J3Z6BGQO "PlayStation 3 alterative CD
For Sony PlayStation 3 systems. (This defaults to installing Ubuntu permanently, since there is usually not enough memory to try out the full desktop system and run the installer at the same time. An alternative boot option to try Ubuntu without changing your computer is available.)" or Arch Linux PPC "ISO images can be downloaded via HTTP from the mirror site listed below.
2011.03.05_archppc-ftp.iso"2) You need to download your iso file and burn it to cd
3) Now to the ps3, obviously you need to have kmeaw 3.55/rebug 2.55.2 installed as your cfw next you need this file http://www.multiupload.com/2VFF4HA9OD (this file is a variant of kmeaws bootos but instead of using asbestos it uses petitboot instead). if you have had kmeaws bootos installed previously you need to uninstall it first. to do this go to the game cat nand scroll down till you get to the installed bootos/asbestos then triangle and delete. Next you need to get the lv2patcherv9 from here http://www.multiupload.com/YNQYRATFUF then pop both pkg files onto a usb and install via xmb. then run the bootos/petitboot installer and if you dont have it already the lv2patcherv9 and install that. Also attach your external harddrive.
4) Now you want to insert your burnt distro into your ps3. The boot up lv2patcherv9 which will then load petitboot….at this point give petitboot abit of time to find your disc…at this point it will give u different methods to install the distro of your choice depending on the options built into the live cd. for ubuntu for example i used expert but tbh the install is probz for the best(i will get some screen shots asap)
5) For those whom have installed debian the installer looks pretty much the same from here in. It will let you choose your keyboard/language and also nicely format your external harddrive to run the distro for you(my external shows up as scsi2 and the internal as sda so make sure your choose the right hard drive as your could mess with things you may regret!). Also enter your username and etc(for those who are using for the first time)
and the end product is this……
ubuntu 10.10 up n running on 3.55 =)now for grafs latests updates here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=40I89MD9 and then follow http://psx-scene.com/forums/f119/script-auto-build-package-grafs-latest-kernel-debian-bootos-82909/ from having compiled the kernel so all u gotta do is just install the pkg’s follow the tut n alter the kboot.conf and your good to go.
Sony removed the option to install Linux onto the PS3 a year ago after initially giving users the option. At the time the decision was far from popular and even landed Sony in court for removing functionality from machines that were already sold by issuing a firmware update. The Japanese giant cited Security concerns as the reason for the move to block Linux though that didn’t wash with the hackers who had taken to the PS3 for their homebrew endeavors.
Now though those same hackers will be scrambling to get their Linux fix on a PS3 once again.
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