No Linux OS on PS3 Slim

[Furley_Ghost]

I've noticed that Linux is not being used in the new Slim PS3. What are the uses for having Linux on the phat models? I hear you can install any OS such as Windows on the phat models. Will this be an option on the Slim?

[Rike255]

You can install Linux (not Windows without a work around) on the fat PS3 system. That capability was removed from the Slim so you can't install Linux on the new one.

[Sponge-worthy]

The most practical use for Linux (aside from developer stuff) on the PS3 that I have heard involved things like browsing with Firefox and other online stuff where the PS3 is largely deficient.

Windows cannot be installed natively on the PS3 because, to my knowledge, M$ has never compiled a version of Windows for the Cell. However, I think some folks have been able to install Linux and then get Windows running in a virtual environment from there. Not sure how good the performance was at that point though.

[aphex]

But when you updated your current PHAT ps3, won't the install other OS option disappear?

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by ryan69969

The most practical use for Linux (aside from developer stuff) on the PS3 that I have heard involved things like browsing with Firefox and other online stuff where the PS3 is largely deficient.

Windows cannot be installed natively on the PS3 because, to my knowledge, M$ has never compiled a version of Windows for the Cell. However, I think some folks have been able to install Linux and then get Windows running in a virtual environment from there. Not sure how good the performance was at that point though.

Yep. I installed Linux the first time as a novelty thing to try out, but now that I have 2 PS3's I'm going to install Linux on the other and make it a quasi-dedicated web server.

[AikonEnt]

Originally Posted by aphex

But when you updated your current PHAT ps3, won't the install other OS option disappear?

That's what I was thinking. As it's part of the firmware that option will just vanish whenever you update to 3.0.

Not sure why they removed it but I'd guess it's because some bright sparks have found a way to hack the PS3 through it.

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by AikonEnt

That's what I was thinking. As it's part of the firmware that option will just vanish whenever you update to 3.0.

Not sure why they removed it but I'd guess it's because some bright sparks have found a way to hack the PS3 through it.

I don't know, but from the sound of the announcement only the Slim PS3 wouldn't have the option. I wonder what would happen to current PS3's with a Linux partition if they update the system?

EDIT: I found the announcement:

Removal of “Install Other OS” feature
The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.
Along with a vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content with the new PS3 system, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.

See it says not on the NEW system. So I think everyone with the fat models will still have the ability to use Other OS.

[AikonEnt]

Is the slim being released with 3.0 or is that due later? Because if it's released with 2.80 it would be a bit strange if the slim is different to the phat in the options. Never used it myself (and probably never would) but it'll be interesting to see how this works.

[Shin-Ra]

The PSP and PS3 System Software's are already showing/hiding various options based on the hardware configuration you're using.

[androvsky]

Originally Posted by AikonEnt

That's what I was thinking. As it's part of the firmware that option will just vanish whenever you update to 3.0.

Not sure why they removed it but I'd guess it's because some bright sparks have found a way to hack the PS3 through it.

The firmware is smart enough to act differently depending on what model of PS3 it's installed on, so I'm pretty sure it'll still be there on current models. Looks like the official excuse is that they didn't want to spend the time developing new para-virtualized drivers for the new hardware in the slim.

http://playstation2-linux.com/forum/...p?msg_id=51038

I guess that makes some sense for launch, but that's an incredibly low-level driver they're talking about, they're not that hard to write. Granted, certifying there's no security holes is a little harder, but most of the hypervisor hacking is done either in GameOS (all the really interesting hypervisor calls happen there) or super-early in the PS3's boot process.

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by AikonEnt

Is the slim being released with 3.0 or is that due later? Because if it's released with 2.80 it would be a bit strange if the slim is different to the phat in the options. Never used it myself (and probably never would) but it'll be interesting to see how this works.

+1 to Shin and the new Slim will have the Bravia Sync option while others won't. Not too hard to code into the firmware. I think I read somewhere that Slims are shipping with 3.0 installed on them. But I don't remember where I read it so...ya.

[androvsky]

Originally Posted by Rike255

+1 to Shin and the new Slim will have the Bravia Sync option while others won't. Not too hard to code into the firmware. I think I read somewhere that Slims are shipping with 3.0 installed on them. But I don't remember where I read it so...ya.

The ones the press have access to have 2.76 iirc.

[bhampton]

I have a 5 year old PC in the basement running Ubuntu linux... actually,... I'm surfing on it currently.

It's a snap to run linux on an old PC that you can pick up for free in most cases. (A neighbor gave me this one when she bought a macbook.)

I wouldn't waste my PS3-time with linux,... I guess it's cool that it's an option but I think PS3 runs linux like a PII400Mhz or something... not worth doing if you ask me.

-Brian

[androvsky]

Originally Posted by bhampton

I have a 5 year old PC in the basement running Ubuntu linux... actually,... I'm surfing on it currently.

It's a snap to run linux on an old PC that you can pick up for free in most cases. (A neighbor gave me this one when she bought a macbook.)

I wouldn't waste my PS3-time with linux,... I guess it's cool that it's an option but I think PS3 runs linux like a PII400Mhz or something... not worth doing if you ask me.

-Brian

It used to run linux like a 1.6 GHz PPC Mac with 256 MB of ram. With improvements to the latest Yellow Dog Linux distribution, it should be closer to a 2 GHz+ with 512 MB of ram. The trick is to run YDL, Ubuntu for the PS3 has a lot of problems (although for a PC, Ubuntu is fantastic).

[dk3dknight]

All I have to say is BOO!!!

:P

[TheJesus]

I have not installed Linux on my PS3 yet because they have not unlocked the video capabilities. So as far as I know, it won't handle HD video or any games you throw on there.

[Mobe1969]

In all honesty I can't understand why the feature was there in the first place. Why did Sony even bother? It was extra work for them for what gain?

[Hughmcjr]

Damn, well that answers that question about installing Ubuntu on the PS3. I have just gotten into trying it since a buddy loaded it for me on my laptop. I was wondering if I could load it on the PS3 and see how it worked. Oh well.

[Furley_Ghost]

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[SoCalTiger]

Originally Posted by AikonEnt

Is the slim being released with 3.0 or is that due later? Because if it's released with 2.80 it would be a bit strange if the slim is different to the phat in the options. Never used it myself (and probably never would) but it'll be interesting to see how this works.

Edit: Based on the CNET Review it appears 3.0 is NOT shipped with the Slim. At least, it is not on the demo units. So you'd have to wait until 9/1 to download 3.0 unless the actual production units ship with it.