How To Turn Your PS3 into a Linux (Ubuntu)

Your PS3, with its awesome next generation graphics, turning into a PC with Linux Ubuntu? Yeah, it's possible! Check the steps below and feel the power of the next-gen videogames!

1. Preparing the OtherOS installation. We will refer to the Memory Stick/SD/MiniSD/CF card as the 'removable disk' in this how-to. Connect the removable disk to your computer, create the folder "PS3" in the root of the removable disk, then enter the folder "PS3" and create a folder called "otheros". Download this file and put it on the folder "otheros", Now our removable disk is ready for use!
2. Preparing the Ubuntu CD used in this how-to. Download this file, and burn it on a CD in at low speed (1x-4x). Here is a guide on how-to burn images.
3. Formatting the HD. After preparing all the nescessary things, we will format the HD for the linux Ubuntu. First go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Format Utility]. Choose [Custom] and [Allot 10GB to the Other OS], and then select [Quick Format]. When the formatting process is completed, press X to restart the PS3.
4. Now installing the OtherOS loader. Now insert your removable disk into the PS3 and go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Install Other OS]. When you see a screen with the Title of the otheros.bld, press (X) to install the OtherOS loader. Then go to [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Default System] and set it to [Other OS].

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5. Installing the Ubuntu. Remove the removable disk, put the Ubuntu CD on the PS3 and connect the mouse and the keyboard on the PS3 (on the USB Port). Now we are ready! When you restart the PS3, a text will appear in the screen (it should be "kboot:_") -- in this screen simply press enter. If you read this how-to straight, you should simply hit enter all the time.
6. Basic Setup. Now you should have the Ubuntu installed on your HD. Now complete the configuration screen (the wifi configuration you can do at the desktop environment later). Choose your Hostname and hit continue. If all goes well, then the CD should be ejected. Restart the PS3 (holding the I/O button), and when it reboots just hit enter to be in the Ubuntu Login screen!
7. Monitor/TV Resolution Setup. To configure the monitor go to [Applications] > [Accessories] > [Terminal] and type "ps3videomode-h"; it should return a list of supported resolutions, with a number in front to represent the mode. If you have an HD monitor with 1920×1080 resolution, use a 1080i or 1080p mode. If you have an HDTV, use the 720p modes (3, 8, 35 or 40).

   How to test video modes? It's simple! Press Alt+F1 and enter your username and password. Then put "sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop" then "ps3videomode -v <number_that_represents_your_monitor_or_hdtv>" or "ps3videomode -v <number_that_represents_your_monitor_or_hdtv> -f". Now put "sudo /etc/init.d/gdm start" and you should be in the new resolution.

   Now to make it permanent just open the terminal and put "sudo nano /etc/event.d/ps3videomode". Then it will start "nano" with a empty file. Put "start on runlevel 2" and "exec /usr/bin/ps3videomode -v <number_that_represents_your_monitor_or_hdtv>" and then press Ctrl+O and Ctrl+X to save and exit nano. Now you can restart your PS3 system and you will be in the new resolution.

8. Wireless setup and notes. Wireless WPA connections don't work well but WEP works fine. To configure it, just click on the network button (top right panel) and select manual configuration. Type in the name of your connection (SSID), enter your password type (WEP) and enter the WEP key. In the connection settings, choose automatic configuration (DHCP). Click Ok and enable the radio button for wireless connection. Now it should be working!
9. Optimizing the OS Speed. The PS3 system has a low amount of RAM memory, so you can reduce the memory usage by disabling some programs that load in startup here: [System] > [Preferences] > [Sessions].
10. Final steps. Now you are thinking that you can't play your games? Don't worry, in the kboot load screen, simply type boot-game-os and you'll be back to the PS3 system. And if you want to go back to linux, repeat Step 4!

In any moments of the installation, if the install gives an error, simply put "boot-game-os" in the "kboot" screen and you'll be back to your PS3 System.