The quick way, link me to a good tutorial site that you know firsthand that works. Googling it gives me thousands of sites, I just want someone to tell me “I used this one and it worked like a charm”
How painful should this be, btw? Any legal disclaimers I should be aware off (voiding warranties and all that)?
I didn’t install it myself, but we used Yellow Dog Linux. Its an official package (specifically designed for the Cell processor), and is freely available for PS3
It shouldn’t be too painful, if you’re familiar with installing and administering Linux systems. As far as I know it is completely above board, and sanctioned by Sony, so there shouldn’t be any issues (but I could be wrong).
Ok, you bring up a good point. No, I am not familiar with Linux or any other flavor of unix.
It just happens that my PC is getting old and quirky and I would like to put my mostly idle PS3 to good use. Considering that 90% of my computer use is web surfing (with some music playing and the occasional one-page letter to fill the rest), is this a good idea at all?
I am fairly computer proficient and I am not afraid of getting dirty for setup, but I like my computers to work reliably and effortlessly for most of the time.
You should do OK. I think modern Linux installs are fairly painless, and if all you want to do is websurfing and the like, it should be quite doable.
Thanks. YDL looks good and the price is right.
Should I expect to be able to use my current keyboard (USB) and download pics from my cameras with it and all that?
What the virus scene on Linux?
You can use USB and download pics from your camera with Linux, but I don’t know about the PS3. Does it have a USB port?
There really are no viruses on Linux.
Yeah, the game controllers are USB, so at least 4 in the front, probably some more on the back?
Hi. Linux on the PS3 is good as a technical exercise, but not so hot as a usable system. You only get access to around 256 MB of RAM and most of the funky hardware is hidden behind a Hypervisor.
It’s worth a try but I think you’re going to be disappointed if you want a desktop replacement.
tim
Heartbreaking as it is, this is the type of answer that helps a lot. Do you know of anyone who has tried it (with either outcome)?
Hi. My brother did it (with some on-phone support from me as a Linux geek). Off the top of my head he had problems with the video codecs, plug-ins (such as Flash) and a weird screen resolution. I’ll ask him whether he can recall any real details.
Later versions of the firmware have apparently caused problems with the RSX (the funky video chip) and there are various reports of networking issues (some distros have problems with the GUI network tools, others have problems with the wifi).
However, if you have a USB key to backup your saves, a USB keyboard and mouse and an HDTV then I’d definitely give it a go. You may find it’s better than your current desktop, or it may be worse but it’s certainly interesting to do.
tim
Ha! Don’t worry. Interesting is definitely not what I am looking for right now. I think I would rather spend the money for a half decent PC and leave the PS3 for what it does best. The last thing I need is a computer that my wife is afraid to touch.
Thanks, though. It does sound like the kind of thing I would have enjoyed a few years ago before wife and kids.