Installing Linux on the PlayStation3: A short guide

In order to run BOINC on the Playstation 3, you have to 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:

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

WHAT DO YOU NEED BEFORE STARTING

1. A PlayStation3
2. A USB keyboard is essential (mouse is not, but can be handy)
3. PS3 controller is essential, but that comes with your PS3
4. 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 the firmware of your PS3 to the latest release (follow the instructions in the booklet of the PS3)
* YDL DVD ISO (This is a DVD .iso, so you will need a DVD burner to burn the ISO on a DVD under Linux or Windows)

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 the PS3 has finished formatting, a \"Format Complete\" message will appear. Everything is OK. Then, Press X button on controller to restart the system.

B) BOOT A MINIMAL VERSION OF LINUX

* After completing part A), insert the YDL6 DVD you have burnt before.
* Select Settings -> System settings -> Install Other OS. After that your PS3 will search for an \"other os installer\". It should find it on your YDL DVD in the /PS3/otheros/ folder on the DVD, so you are prompted something like: installer found in ....
* Select OK, and the PS3 will ask you to press the X button to start the installer.
* Press the X button. Your PS3 will install the \"minimal Linux boot loader\" (otheros.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 your PS3 holding down the PS button on your controller.

INSTALL LINUX DISTRIBUTION (YDL6)

* Switch your PS3 back on and insert the YDL6 DVD. At the kboot prompt, press the TAB button until you see someting like PS3 and the screen resolution that fits your TV best.
* From now on, follow YDL installer instructions.

INSTALL BOINC

From your fresh Linux install, download the BOINC client for the PlayStation3 provided at http://www.ps3grid.net (PS3 BOINC Client Link) and follow the instructions in the JOIN PS3GRID section.

Enjoy your new Linux enabled PlayStation3.


MORE

If you have problems use the forums (they have a search function! ;-) ) or check for other installation guides like http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/power/library/pa-linuxps3-1/

Please send us suggestions to improve this page to ps3grid@gmail.com, ore use this forum thread.


20.5.2009 - changed YDL download link to the new Fixstars mirror site
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