installing OS on ps3

[shotodrewku]

i've been playing around with the idea of either installing xp or possibly leapord onto my ps3. is it even possible and after partitioning does the installation work as if i were installing it on a computer? and i'll be able to use a usb mouse and keyboard right? any and all info is much appreciated. if possible just email me all the info you have at [email protected], thanks

 

[KALEL114]

Linux is the only other OS that I know of that can be put on the PS3. Mouse and Keyboard do work.
If Linux is your cup of tea, this has helped of my friends and I hope it helps you out as well.
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3media&thread.id=55798

 

[Fading]

This is a funny coincidence, I just installed Ubuntu on my PS3 a few days ago. You have to format your hard drive (it will keep some things, but I highly recommend backing up your save games and anything else you want to make sure you keep). Then it will give you the option of giving 10GB to the PS3, or 10GB to the OS you're installing, I recommend giving the 10GB to the OS, the PS3 OS will need more than 10GB for game installs alone.

Linux takes a little bit getting used to, but once you do it's great. Ubuntu in particular has emulators already in it's repository. You just go to add/remove and check the emulators you want and it will auto install. Ubuntu is a freeware deal, and ppl constantly give programs to it to help it grow.

I've been playing Chrono Trigger all day today lol, feels great being able to play emulators on my TV with my PS3 controller . The only problem I had other than figuring Ubuntu out was having to map the sixaxis controller in the snes9x.conf file, which was trial and error.

 

[Havok83]

I've been playing Chrono Trigger all day today lol, feels great being able to play emulators on my TV with my PS3 controller . The only problem I had other than figuring Ubuntu out was having to map the sixaxis controller in the snes9x.conf file, which was trial and error.

wow, you learn something new everyday. I didnt even know this was possible

 

[Fading]

Also wanted to add that you can switch back and forth easy. When Ubuntu starts up it'll stop at boot_ or something like that. At that point hit enter to keep going to Ubuntu, or type boot-game-os to go back to the PS3 OS. Going back to you're other OS is simple too, just go to system setting in the xmb (pretty sure that's it) and switch.

I was worried at first because I didn't want to format everything, but gotta say I think if you have the space every PS3 owner should do this. My PS3 currently has it's own PS3 library, PS2 BC, PS1 BC, and the ability to play anything N64 and under via emulation. It could already watch videos, connection to media servers, has an internet browser and so on. However adding Linux just adds a whole new dimension. I mean sure, these are things I can alrdy do on my comp, but what's it hurt to add another feature to your PS3? What's more is I find myself enjoying typing and accessing the web from a comfy recliner on a near 50" TV more than I was on a 20" monitor /w computer chair.

 

[Fading]

wow, you learn something new everyday. I didnt even know this was possible

Yup, I'm going to start a thread detailing everything you can do with a PS3. I've been thinking about it since it has a lot of features. Of course I'll need everyones help as I'm far from an expert heh. However ya, NES, SNES, Genesis, N64 (Mupen64 emulator) all seem to work fine emulator wise on the PS3 Linux OS.

Also there are Bluetooth drivers for a few of the emulators, but I haven't figured it out yet. So atm I have to keep my sixaxis hooked up via USB, that way emulators read your sixaxis as a regular USB controller.

 

[Havok83]

Also wanted to add that you can switch back and forth easy. When Ubuntu starts up it'll stop at boot_ or something like that. At that point hit enter to keep going to Ubuntu, or type boot-game-os to go back to the PS3 OS. Going back to you're other OS is simple too, just go to system setting in the xmb (pretty sure that's it) and switch.

I was worried at first because I didn't want to format everything, but gotta say I think if you have the space every PS3 owner should do this. My PS3 currently has it's own PS3 library, PS2 BC, PS1 BC, and the ability to play anything N64 and under via emulation. It could already watch videos, connection to media servers, has an internet browser and so on. However adding Linux just adds a whole new dimension. I mean sure, these are things I can alrdy do on my comp, but what's it hurt to add another feature to your PS3? What's more is I find myself enjoying typing and accessing the web from a comfy recliner on a near 50" TV more than I was on a 20" monitor /w computer chair.

thats definetly something to consider. If I do ever do that, I think Im going to test it on my original 60gb that came with my PS3 since Im not using that anymore. Just gotta find it, bc I have no idea where I put it...lol

 

[shotodrewku]

awesome thanks for all the info. few other questions. i also want to add more memory to the ps3s hard drive now i should do that BEFORE i install the os right? and to the guy who mentioned playing n64, how did you manage that controller wise and if you could give me the details on getting the emulator and games for it that'd be awesome thanks SO much

 

[Fading]

awesome thanks for all the info. few other questions. i also want to add more memory to the ps3s hard drive now i should do that BEFORE i install the os right? and to the guy who mentioned playing n64, how did you manage that controller wise and if you could give me the details on getting the emulator and games for it that'd be awesome thanks SO much

Personally I'd add the new memory now. When you install the new OS it's going to format the harddrive anyway, might as well get it out of the way now. Atleast that's IMO, someone might be able to give you better detail on whether you should or not.

As for N64, I haven't personally installed it yet. I've seen videos on it, and in the Ubuntu forums ppl have instrutctions and have said they've done it. However I'm still pretty new to Linux and haven't had the time to explore it yet.

As for other emulators, that's easy. Now I'm using Ubuntu, I'm not quite sure what you would do for Yellowdog 5, or other versions of Linux. However (going off of what I did), with Ubuntu it's cake. You simply click Applications at the top, go to Add/remove, and then look thru the programs. The ppl who put Ubuntu together added a repository deal, it has several programs and emulators already, you just check (in my case snes9x) whatever emulator they have alrdy and click accept changes, and it auto installs. How to get the emulators manually tho? I'd just look around on the net for answers, PS3 Linux can use the internet of course, so you can keep a window up while you look and install and just follow their instrutctions. Most of the time it's just going to Applications, Accessories, Terminal and typing the right thing like "sudo apt-get install snes9x".

 

[Fading]

As for the controller layout, it really depends on the emulator you're using. I personally am using snes9x which comes with Ubuntu. However I'll detail how I did it just in case -

1.) Go to Applications, then accessories, then terminal at the top of the screen.
2.) Type, "sudo gedit /etc/snes9x/snes9x.conf". Obviously without the quotes, it will open the snes9x configuration file. It will ask for your password, Linux is heavy on password verification, which is good in the long run.
3.) Replace the section part of the config with what I'm pasting -

[Unix/X11 Controls]
EnableJoystick = TRUE
Joydev1 = /dev/input/js0
J00:Axis0 = Joypad1 Axis Left/Right T=50%
J00:Axis1 = Joypad1 Axis Up/Down T=50%
J00:B13 = Joypad1 B
J00:B14 = Joypad1 A
J00:B12 = Joypad1 Y
J00:B15 = Joypad1 X
J00:B8wi = Joypad1 Select
J00:B10 = Joypad1 L
J00:B11 = Joypad1 R
J00:B3 = Joypad1 Start
J00:B6 = Joypad1 Down
J00:B7 = Joypad1 Left
J00:B5 = Joypad1 Right
J00:B4 = Joypad1 Up

4.) Save and that's it.


If you have the PS3 controller hooked up to the PS3 via the USB charger cable it reads as a regular USB controller. However snes9x has a problem with mapping the buttons, it causes the rom not to load. So you have to set up the controller in the config file. It took trial and error, however each PS3 sixaxis button has a specific number to it. Like Up is button number 4, so that's why I have "J00:B4 (button 4) = Joypad1 Up". It didn't work right at first so I had to go into MegamanX and go to the control setup, push a button and see what it was registering as, then would keep the config open and change it til I got it right.


Also I highly suggest you turn Thread sound to TRUE in the config file or snes9x will give choppy sound.

 

[shotodrewku]

ok now im actually trying to DL linux off the site but when i put in the info for list of distributions what am i supposed to put in for category and platform?? and i should just burn whatever downloads to a CD and then use that CD to install it right??

 

[Fading]

ok now im actually trying to DL linux off the site but when i put in the info for list of distributions what am i supposed to put in for category and platform?? and i should just burn whatever downloads to a CD and then use that CD to install it right??

Personally I just burned it to a CD and used it as an install disk. I'd recommend the same for you as that way you have a backup if anything goes wrong (which it's doubtful it will, but you never know).

 

[shotodrewku]

okay will do but before i can DL it i have to put something in for category and platofrm at the official linux site, do you know what i'm supposed to select there?

 

[Fading]

No clue, I think some of the linux programs read the PS3 as a "powerpc", but I'm not sure.

When installing Linux on mine, just to make sure I didn't mess up, I printed out a step by step deal from "psubuntu.com". However, again, I'm using unbuntu and I'm not sure which Linux you're going with. If your doing the same then I recommend going on there and looking it over, it tells you what to do every step of the way, and gives recommendations after it's installed as well.

 

[shotodrewku]

okay thanks a bunch