Installing Linux on the PlayStation3: A short guide

Installing Linux on the PlayStation3: A short guide

In order to run BOINC on the PlayStation3, you must install GNU/Linux as operating system. We provide here a brief installation guide that can contribute to save time to get your dual boot PS3-Linux machine up and running. Installing Linux also allows you to use the PS3 as a normal computer which can be useful anyway.

OVERVIEW

Installing Linux on a PS3 is practically the same as installing it as a second operating system on a normal PC. Therefore, we cover here the basic steps that allow to set up a dual booting (e.g. PS3 native and PS3 Linux) machine. Here we list the three steps:

Create space for Linux operating system on your PS3.
Boot a minimal version of Linux.
Install Linux distribution (here, we use Yellow Dog Linux)

WHAT DO YOU NEED BEFORE STARTING

A PlayStation3
A USB keyboard is essential (mouse is not, but can be handy)
PS3 controller is essential, but that comes with your PS3
A USB pendrive is also required, as you will need to copy 2 files on the PS3 hard disk. Any size will do.
A display - your TV will do well. Alternatively, a computer LCD monitor with DVI-D plug and HDCP complaint and a DVI-D to HDMI cable.

SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS

Download the following:

update firmware to the latest release (follow instruction on the booklet of the PS3)
otheros.bld
YDL DVD ISO (PS3 only accepts DVDs to boot, NOT CDs!)

Connect your USB stick to your PC and then create a directory named 'PS3' with a sub-directory called 'otheros'. It is important that you use the same folder names as indicated here, or PS3 will not find the files. Then copy otheros.bld inside the 'PS3/otheros/' folder.

STEPS TO INSTALL LINUX ON THE PLAYSTATION3

A) CREATING SPACE FOR LINUX OS

Switch on your PS3. Select Settings -> System Settings -> Format Utility.
Answer Yes to the following question '.... Are you sure to continue?' No data will be deleted. Select 'Custom' when asked about partition settings and then select 'Allot 10GB to the Other OS' (you may decide to give 10GB to the PS3 system depending if you plan to use more Linux or the PS3 for games).
After this step, your PS3 will format the hard drive accordingly, creating a 10GB slot in your hard disk for Linux OS.
When PS3 has finished, "Format Complete" message will appear. Everything is OK. So, Press X button on controller to restart the system.

B) BOOT A MINIMAL VERSION OF LINUX

After completing part A), plug in your memory stick.
Select Settings -> System settings -> Install Other OS. After the PS3 search for an "other os installer". It should find it in your memory stick, so you are prompted something like: installer found in ....
Select OK, and PS3 will ask you to press X button to start the installer.
Press X button. PS3 will install the "minimal Linux boot loader" (.bld file) so that you can run a minimal version of linux when restarting your PS3.
We have to tell your PS3 to run the bootloader every time it is switched on, so that you can choose between the two operating systems. Select Settings -> System Settings -> Default System You will have to choose between PS3 and Other OS. Select Other OS.
Switch off PS3 holding down PS button on your controller.

INSTALL LINUX DISTRIBUTION (YDL)

Switch your PS3 back on and insert YDL DVD. At the kboot prompt, type "installtext"
From now on, follow YDL installer instructions. If you are using analog output, when it reboots you need to type in ydl480i at the kboot prompt (you have few seconds before the standard installation starts. We suggest you use a HD Ready TV with the HDMI cable for better resolution. [On analog displays it may fall of out of the bottom of the screen. Typing anything will stop the boot at the kboot prompt and give you more time)]