Sony gave its customers the ability to install a second os (linux) on their ps3’s but they do not let you fully utilize the hardware in it, so don’t expect to be playing Wolrd of Warcraft on your ps3 anytime soon =( . However there is support for many other things including MythTV(media center) and mounting NFS/Samba. Why does this make me so happy? Well that means if it is on my computer, I can play it on my PS3 without worrying about the PS3 running out of space. Anyways this guide is only to get Ubuntu on your system so i will hold off taunting you with goodies.

Note: By Installing Linux on PS3 you only gain functionality, you can still do everything you could before with the addition of running linux

What you need

• Ability to burn an ISO if you need help ask in our forums.
• Blank CD
• USB Keybaord
• PS3 & Computer

Downloading Needed Files

1. The PS3 Ubuntu ISO it can be found here

Preparing your PS3 for a Dual Boot!

1. Backup any data(gamesaves) you want as you will lose anything
   1. Insert a USB Drive
   2. Select your gamesave and click on Copy
2. Once you are ready to part with all your data go to: Settings > System Settings and scroll down to Format utility, hit X
3. You will be asked if you want to format yor hard drive, select yes
4. Now you must choose a partition setting, select Custom
5. We recommend you choose Allot 10gb to the Other OS
6. Select Quick Format unless you want it to take longer (no real benefit)

Installing Ubuntu(Finally)

1. Go to System > System Setting and scroll down to Install Other OS and hit X
2. Once it installs go to System > System Setting > Default OS and choose Other OS, it will now ask if you want to boot into the other OS select yes

Note: If you want to go back into the ps3’s os you can either type boot-game-os or hold the power button until it beeps twice

3. The PS3 will reboot and you will see a prompt that says kboot: just hit enter
4. The Ubuntu installer will launch.
5. You can do everything the default way except patitioning when it asks about the partition(guided option is checked) choose manual! There is a bug where if you choose the guided option the installer may hang up!
6. You will see two partitions a 9gb one and a 1.7gb one. Delete them both!
7. Create a new partition as 10gb
8. Now create a new partition and click on ext3 and select swap and add this partition
9. You are done partitioning just click next and proceed
10. Continue installing ubuntu it shouldnt be too difficult just select next on everything =)
11. Once you are in ubunu please leave us a comment letting us know you use ubuntu on ps3. If i see the demand is high I will do some more in depth tutorials on it. Such as installing mythtv, installing games, mounting your computer, and tweaking for optimization.

Tips

• To get back into PS3 OS either hold the power button until you hear 2 beeps or open up a terminal and type boot-game-os

If you have any trouble please ask us in the forums, you will need to register but we will do our best to help you within 24 hours!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 10:19 am and is filed under Games, Technology.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.