Installing Feisty beta
Update: some people are still using this tutorial as a reference. Please see the installation instructions for the final feisty release instead!
Installing Feisty on the Playstation 3 will be a much easier experience than that of its predecessor, and here’s a short walkthrough for those that are interested in trying it out. Be aware that this is beta software, and that there are currently no working sound drivers available for the Fawn on the PS3. Read this forum thread for more information on the current status. If you’re new to psubuntu and not in the experimental mood, use the installation instructions for Edgy Eft instead.
Preparation
- Download the otheros.bld file and put it at the root of a USB thumb drive, memory card or external disk.
- Download a liveCD version of either Ubuntu or Xubuntu (there’s no kubuntu version out yet) and burn the ISO to a CD. Read this forum thread for a discussion on which desktop environment to choose.
Partitioning the PS3
In this step we will format the PlayStation 3 and create two partitions, one for the XMB and one for Ubuntu. Before formatting the PS3, you might want to backup your saved data.
- In the XMB go to Settings > System Settings > Format Utility > Format Hard Disk. Choose Yes.
- Choose Custom partition setting and Allot 10GB to the Other OS. Perform a Quick Format.
- Reboot the PS3 by pressing X on your controller.
Installing kboot
Insert the USB-drive and go to Settings > System Settings > Install Other OS. The boot loader should be automatically detected. Select OK to install it.
Booting the Live CD
- Plug in a USB keyboard and insert the (X)Ubuntu CD on the PS3.
- Go to Settings > System Settings > Default System, and select Other OS. Choose Yes and wait for the PS3 to reboot.
- At the kboot: prompt, hit Enter and the Live CD will load.
You may now install Ubuntu permanently by clicking on the install icon on the desktop.
Anonymous said
am April 2 2007 @ 4:10 am
I added a help page for installing Ubuntu on the PS3 at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PlayStation_3. I also added a known bugs and reference section. I filed a bug for the sound problem and a fix has been committed.
Anonymous said
am April 2 2007 @ 4:11 am
The link above has a typo.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PlayStation_3
tomplast said
am April 3 2007 @ 9:08 am
What is the username and the password for gdm during the live session? I get some error about some file in /usr/share/xxxxxxxx and I’m presented with GDM.
So before I know the username or password I can’t install anything :/
FredTech said
am April 3 2007 @ 9:26 am
You can’t install anything during a Live CD session as the operating system is not accessing the hard disk drive. You’ll need to install Ubuntu permanently to the HDD before you can fully use the OS. Click the install icon on your desktop.
tomplast said
am April 3 2007 @ 9:51 am
I think you missunderstand me here. I can boot up the LiveCD but I get stopped by GDM which asks me for a USERNAME and a PASSWORD. Without that I can’t login and see the desktop and click on the install icon.
I have seen this problem with a few LiveCDs before and if you could tell me the default LiveCD username and password I would be able to login and thereafter install it…
So to clarify. I can’t do the following: “You may now install Ubuntu permanently by clicking on the install icon on the desktop.” just because I get stopped by GDM which asks me for a USERNAME and a PASSWORD. And I’m running Xubuntu (Feisty Fawn Beta) PS3 version LiveCD.
Thank you.
tomplast said
am April 3 2007 @ 11:04 am
It seems that one file was corrupted, I will redownload the ISO and hope it will work better…
I’m sorry if I hurted anyone, I just got so angry :/
FredTech said
am April 3 2007 @ 1:58 pm
All right, better luck next time! Let us know if you succeed.. =)
tomplast said
am April 4 2007 @ 4:43 pm
Now it worked :). I redownloaded the file (chosed Ubuntu instead of Xubuntu but did convert later (it was a question of speed :P)) and it worked :).
UTecH said
am April 7 2007 @ 11:42 pm
Obviously you need to download the ubuntu feisty beta PPC version rigth ?
Anonymous said
am April 8 2007 @ 3:22 am
New CD builds are available as of April 7th, at cdimage.ubuntu.com for Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Edubuntu. There are also alternate install CD images for Ubuntu, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu. I changed the instructions to reflect this at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PlayStation_3
The big deal about this is that the “otheros.bld” file is now placed as “/PS3/otheros/otheros.bld”. Now there’s no need for an external medium to install kboot as it will be detected from the install CD.
Now installing Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, and Edubuntu on the PS3 has become newbie-proof.
chrisq said
am April 8 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Yes, new and improved installers from april 7th. If only they’d actually let you install.
As reported by several, the installer hangs at 15%
goodfellas said
am April 9 2007 @ 2:27 pm
the wireless is supported? and the bluetooth?
rts said
am April 9 2007 @ 4:35 pm
I can’t get past the “No newworld boot partition was found” prompt. If I tell it to continue, it doesn’t continue.
How does one create this newworld boot partition?
I’m using the Feisty beta downloaded 8 April on a European PS3.
Phil said
am April 9 2007 @ 5:31 pm
Does the new build include sound driver?
Lance said
am April 9 2007 @ 7:27 pm
Mine is having the same problem. I’m installing the latest Ubuntu release with a US PS3, and the installer hangs at 15%. What am I doing wrong?
sp said
am April 11 2007 @ 11:03 pm
ok, im new to all of this (the linux side - i want to get away from windows and microsoft) …
ive got ubuntu installed on a secondary pc - installed by the ubuntu disk i got, version 6.06 -
it says liveCD on the cover, does this mean its ok to use this?
1) i dont get what you mean by liveCD?
2) ive downloaded the otheros.bld (2.23mb - just confirm that its the right size?)
3) i also got some add on thing called: CELL-Linux-CL_20061110-ADDON.iso
that’s only because i thought i will installed fedora. but i choose not too. i don’t need this now, do i?
4) is the instructions on this page exactly what i need, or do i need further coding just for the installation? if so where can i get the information from?
thanks in advance for the help
FredTech said
am April 12 2007 @ 9:16 am
As stated, these are instructions for installing an unfinished and unoficcial (beta) version of the upcoming Ubuntu version. At the same time they are much easier that that of Edgy (which can be a little hard for a beginner). You should also note that there have been released newer versions of the beta CD that the ones linked to here, but that some of these has had problems. I will write a new (and even easier) guide once there exists an official release with working sound - hopefully in a week or two. Now, to your questions:
1) A Live CD contains a version of the operating system as well as an installer of that same OS. That means you can try it out (running slowly from the CD) before making the decision to install it permanently to the hard disk. You can’t use the LiveCD you downloaded for your other computer as the LiveCD-versions listed here are made specifically for the Playstation 3 and the PPC architecture.
2) Confirmed.
3) No, you don’t need it for this.
4) The Ubuntu installation instructions from this point on is not explained in this tutorial, but it should be pretty self explanatory. I find it much simpler than installing WinXP. If you encounter any problems, search for an ubuntu installation guide, or post your questions in our forum.
Welcome to the world of Linux
Jeremy said
am April 13 2007 @ 12:42 am
Hey folks,
We’ve just released a (beta!) graphical version of kboot, called petitboot. It’s at:
http://ozlabs.org/~jk/projects/petitboot/
And should work as a drop-in replacement of the usual otheros.bld.
Suds said
am April 13 2007 @ 10:31 am
Jeremy,
That (petitboot) just looks brilliant. Thanks.
rts said
am April 15 2007 @ 4:25 pm
The desktop ISO from 11 April hangs during install at 15%, as reported above. It’s been doing this every daily build since about 7 April.
JamesBond said
am April 16 2007 @ 5:55 pm
Sound is working ok, just not built in kernel you have to manualy sudo modprobe snd_ps3 and if wanted to work allways next reboot edit the /etc/modules and take out the mac one and put snd_ps3 again, thats it…
Hope it helped.
phil said
am April 16 2007 @ 6:07 pm
I can confirm the above is true. I have abotu 6 cd burn on the weeknd from the day build of the last week. Plus an older one from before i got the ps3.
Only the older version actually installed.
I have also now got the machiene running ok, after updates, will try and get the sound workign tonight and will post my results.
JamesBond said
am April 16 2007 @ 6:08 pm
Sorry forgot to say that I used this release to install:
ubuntu-7.04-beta-desktop-powerpc+ps3.iso
EGY said
am April 20 2007 @ 8:32 am
I’m using Ubuntu 7.04 release. I started the Installation, everything was going fine, until I reach the “Prepare Partitions” screen. I don’t know how to continue with the installation, I’m stuck at this screen.
The “Prepare Partition” screen have several lines in it. Like this:
================================
Prepare Partitions
“Device” “Type” “Format” “Size” “Used”
/dev/sda
/dev/sda1 ext3 / [*] 10232 MB unknown
/dev/sda5 swap [ ] 501 MB unknown
/dev//sdb
=================================
I press enter in the keyboard but stay stuck in this screen. Maybe in the bottom part of the screen are some other options, but I can not reach the bottom because the screen resolution settings of Ubuntu are default in 576 x 384, refresh rate 30 Hz. My TV is Standard Definition 4×3.
Any help with this so I can continue with Installation?
I’m a first time user of any Linux Distro.
FredTech said
am April 20 2007 @ 8:50 am
Try holding down the alt-button to drag-and-drop the window with your mouse to locate the buttons on the bottom part of the window.
vegard said
am April 21 2007 @ 7:47 pm
phil
April 16, 2007:
“I can confirm the above is true. I have abotu 6 cd burn on the weeknd from the day build of the last week. Plus an older one from before i got the ps3.”
“Only the older version actually installed.
I have also now got the machiene running ok, after updates, will try and get the sound workign tonight and will post my results.”
Where do i find the older version of ubuntu?
thanks
howard said
am April 21 2007 @ 7:56 pm
i try to install the ubuntu 7.0.4, but it stops on 15% every time. how come my ubuntu always stops and someone actually finishes the install…:( anyone here completed the install on their ps3, if so, can you post exsactly how you did it? and it also says “couldnt find newworld”, and something about “yaboot” and “apple_bootstrap”, anyone know how to fix?
icktongo said
am April 21 2007 @ 8:57 pm
im also haveing the stuck at 15% problem and the partition neworld thing too.. i just clicked continue on that and my ps3 is stuck at 15% and no mouse control at all.
KillrAppz said
am April 22 2007 @ 5:39 am
use the alternate install:
http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ports/releases/feisty/release/ubuntu-7.04-alternate-powerpc+ps3.iso.torrent
KillrAppz said
am April 22 2007 @ 7:21 am
OK got the fucker to work by installing with the alternate cd, rebooting, typing ‘rescue’ at the prompt, then running shell and typing:
sudo sed -e ’s/sdd1/sda1/’ -i /etc/kboot.conf
then reboot.
howard said
am April 22 2007 @ 12:16 pm
do any of you know a guide installing kubuntu,ubuntu and those others with the alternate cd? or do any of you know how to do it properly?
thanks
FredTech said
am April 22 2007 @ 12:58 pm
You can always install other desktop environments directly from the terminal by writing:
sudo apt-get install kubuntu-desktop
(or xubuntu-desktop if your prefer XFCE).
I will update the installation instructions with info for all versions as soon as the Live CDs start working properly..
howard said
am April 22 2007 @ 1:13 pm
when i try to boot kubuntu afterinstalling it with non-live cd it stays on the kubuntu icon for a while, andthen it goesin to a black screen with a text that says: “busbox v1.1.3 (debian 1:1.1.3-3ubuntu3) built-in shell (ash)
enter “help” for a list of commands.
sh: can’t access tty: job control turned off
(initframs)
thanks for any help!
icktongo said
am April 22 2007 @ 5:41 pm
If I remember correctly the kubuntu alternate CD doesn’t work? Sorry if I’m wrong.. I could have sworn I had read that somewhere..
howard said
am April 23 2007 @ 7:38 am
I got it up and working now, but every time the kboot promt comes i have to write : /boot/vmlinux initrd=/boot/initrd.img root=/dev/sda1
Then it goes ahead to the login window, and doesnt freeze like it did before
tobias rieper said
am April 25 2007 @ 2:40 am
It seems there are a lot of complaints with Fiesty Fawn.Since official support for Ubuntu PPC(Fiesty edition) has been stopped and support for version 6.06.1 LTS lasts till 2009,I think the tutorial should be on how to install Dapper Drake.
I am conidering getting a PS3 soon and I wouldn’t want to risk ruining the machine while trying to enjoy GNU/Linux.
Lucio said
am April 26 2007 @ 8:54 am
I’m MacOS-Ubuntu user I installed YDL (but I don’t like .rpm package it’s too limited compared to .dev) on ps3 with sdtv resolution and the Linux work but only work
I download the Ubuntu 7.04 alternante ppc+ps3 from http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ports/daily/current/ on 18th of april and doesn’t work (I get sleep during the instalation process) I check the md5sum before burning.
It’s a pity that Ubuntu doesn’t work well on the PS3 it’s the second best OS (First is MacOS).
Anybody has a solution?
I have to burn another Ubuntu cd image?
tobias rieper said
am April 27 2007 @ 12:39 am
“It seems there are a lot of complaints with Fiesty Fawn.Since official support for Ubuntu PPC(Fiesty edition) has been stopped and support for version 6.06.1 LTS lasts till 2009,I think the tutorial should be on how to install Dapper Drake.
I am conidering getting a PS3 soon and I wouldn’t want to risk ruining the machine while trying to enjoy GNU/Linux.”
Maybe I wasn’t explicit enough,colud someone please put up a tutorial on how to install Dapper Drake(6.06.1) on PS3.
Aknowledge…
FredTech said
am April 27 2007 @ 6:51 am
Edgy Eft runs pretty good on the PS3 and you can find instructions here: http://psubuntu.com/files/archive/edgy.html, but be aware that it is a rather complicated installation process compared to Fiesty. My guess is that Dapper would be even less compatible with the PS3 hardware, and that it would require even more tweaks and configurations to make it run. But if someone has had success installing Dapper on their PS3s, please let us know =)
I agree that the installation process should be easy, but at the moment I’m afraid Feisty is our only hope when it comes to simplicity. If you’re experiencing the installation freeze at 15% this thread might help:
http://psubuntu.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=241
I will rewrite the tutorial as soon as a proper LiveCD comes out. Let’s hope that’s soon.
Levente said
am April 27 2007 @ 7:45 am
Hi all!
I’m not a linux mage, but I know something about it… some basics, but it seems it is not enough for the install…
I have the same problem as it was mentioned above, that the installation stop at 15%. What did I wrong? I have also get the prompt “No newworld boot partition was found  or something like that.
So the main question:how can I install the Ubuntu?
Valics Lehel said
am April 27 2007 @ 9:47 am
I have loaded Ubuntu from Live CD, all is OK, but when I try to install, all is so slow that is impossible to finish it.
Actually is die on creating user name and password for root. Then I need to reboot from Power Off button.
Also on HDTV (HDMI connection) I get 5xx pixel resolution, all dialog boxes are out from range. Solution I know is to Use ALT + mouse Drag, but is so slow …
Anyone have an ideea how can be install from Live CD to HDD but not graphical?? I prefer command line.
Sander said
am April 27 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Autoboot & correct display size…
KillrAppz wrote to install with the alternative install CD. After this howard wrote about manual entering the command “/boot/vmlinux initrd=/boot/initrd.img root=/dev/sda1″ in order to start correct. I changed the lines in my “/etc/kboot.conf” and now it boots fine. Here’s how it works:
1: Login into ubuntu
2: Change the password of root
3: Start a terminal windows (Applications, accessesoires)
4: Type “su root” (without the parenthesis)
5: Type “nautilus”
6: Browse to /etc
7: Open “kboot.conf”
8: Place this in the kboot.conf
message=/etc/kboot.msg
default=linux
timeout=10
linux=’/boot/vmlinux initrd=/boot/initrd.img root=/dev/sda1 video=ps3fb:mode:35′
beware!!!! the PS3 video mode is from this table
Video mode ID:
0:automode
YUV 60Hz 1:480i 2:480p 3:720p 4:1080i 5:1080p
YUV 50Hz 6:576i 7:576p 8:720p 9:1080i 10:1080p
RGB 60Hz 33:480i 34:480p 35:720p 36:1080i 37:1080p
RGB 50Hz 38:576i 39:576p 40:720p 41:1080i 42:1080p
VESA 11:WXGA 12:SXGA 13:WUXGA
full screen mode: + 128
dither ON mode : + 2048
9: Save and reboot
Worked for me!
utnubu said
am April 28 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Does anyone know if support for the builtin wireless adapter is planned and if so when?
Juo said
am May 1 2007 @ 4:04 am
Hey Sander
How do you change the password of root??
roi said
am May 7 2007 @ 4:21 am
does any one know if i can fix the screen in ubuntu
to fit a regular tv (not LCD or PLASMA)
& if so how can i do it??
Sander said
am May 7 2007 @ 2:45 pm
@Juo,
when you are logged in into ubuntu you have the right to change the root password through system, administration, users and groups
Clutch said
am May 11 2007 @ 7:53 pm
It seems that a lot of people are having trouble with the feisty power pc install on the ps3. Mostly with 2 specific problems. 1) low screen resolution on the live cd, making it hard to continue since the bottom of the windows are below the bottom of the screen. 2) Even after getting past the low res issue it hangs at “15% checking file systems”.
Here is what I did(after much trial and error):
Downloaded Ubuntu feisty ppc .iso from: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PlayStation_3
Then burned the install disk at my lowest burn speed which was 4x.
Then I booted my ps3 and went to: System > system settings > install other OS with the install disk in the drive. I was then prompted to reboot the ps3(Yes or No). Once the live cd loaded(before clicking on the install icon) I opened System > Administration > Services and unchecked(disabled) everything but: CPU frequency manager, GDM, and System communication bus.
Then I went to System > Administration > System Monitor, selected the “Processes” tab, and killed any process that is would let me with: right click > kill process. Anything that is required will either restart or just not die. All of this gets you past the “15% checking file systems” hang. Then I double clicked the install icon and started the installation. The only tricky thing to this is knowing what is selected by default in each window. The first is language, and if you speak english will already be selected so don’t do anything but hit enter. Next is your time zone, if you have the res problem just hit enter at this screen since the time can be set later when you get everything set right. Next is the keyboard layout screen, again the default will work and if you need to change it, it can be done later so just hit enter. Then it will ask you about hdd partitioning. this is where it gets tricky because you have to select “manual” since automatic setup will cause a hang. Click on “manual” and then hit “Tab” exactly 3 times followed by enter(the “Tab” button will move you to the next selection on the window and since you can’t see the bottom of the window you need Tab to select next). The following screen will have 3 mount point selections, the top one needs to be set to “newworld” as the file system, to do this click on the top item and hit enter to open the options window. In the “Use as” area select “newworld” from the drop down menu and click ok. The second mount point needs to be changed to “/”, so click on the mount point and hit enter, in the options menu select “/” from the mount point drop down menu and click ok. On the second mount point that you just changed to “/” you also need to check the reformat box.(after each change a window will pop up saying “scanning drives” after it finishes the mount point window will go back to it’s default which is the “Next” button). Now hit enter to go to the next screen. The next screen will ask you to import settings from other systems but since none are found just hit enter to continue. Followed by the user screen. Just enter your name, it will default “your name” as the login name but all lower case. If you wish change the user name to whatever you want. Then enter and re-enter your password. At the bottom you will see “What is the name of your computer?”. This will be defaulted to “yourname”-desktop but you can’t see that, however since that option is there this time you will need to hit “Tab” 4 times after you enter your password and then hit enter. The last screen is just to confirm your install settings so hit enter and VIOLA! sit back and let it install. Once it installs the cd will eject and the system will reboot. After the reboot. Login and open a terminal by Applications > Accessories > Terminal and type: sudo gedit /etc/kboot.conf , you will then be prompted for your password so enter it and hit Enter. Once the file loads look for an entry like this “linux=’/dev/hda1 ……etc. at the end of that line before the ” ‘ ” add “video=ps3fb:mode:#” where “#” is the correct number from the table at this site: http://ps3wiki.qj.net/index.php/PS3_Video_Mode (this site is also a How to on the video issue). Then save the file and close gedit. Now just reboot and the resolution will be fixed along with your new install of Ubuntu Feisty….. Enjoy!
FredTech said
am May 12 2007 @ 8:22 am
Thanks for your detailed install info, Clutch! I will try to verify it and add it to the instructions page this weekend. If others have success using this procedure, please let us know.
DevMonkey said
am May 12 2007 @ 10:11 pm
I followed Clutch’s installation and it worked like a charm. For some reason, some of the processes starting up with the live-cd make the installer have a fit at the 15% mark.
Follow Clutch’s guide, and you’ll be able to get things installed just fine.
Kudos to Clutch!
Jugi said
am May 16 2007 @ 10:49 am
I also managed to install ubuntu feisty on my PS3 with Clutchs advice. Advice for System monitor when you are killing processes: Paint all processes pressing down shift and kill all at the same time. Makes your life a bit easier. Also I did not create NewWorld partition at all. Killing obsolete processes made my install go past 15% mark.
Thank you…
Mario Ortegon said
am May 23 2007 @ 10:34 pm
I followed Clutch’s advice and finally was able to get past the 15% mark and the filesystem detection step, only to stop again at 26% installing applications. I left it running the whole night. Any idea what could it be? any option I could turn on to find what the problem could be?
I also tried the alternate installation, but there was also an error while installing the application
Clutch said
am May 28 2007 @ 5:32 am
Mario,
I haven’t ever heard of that problem. You might need to re-download and burn a new disk. Just make sure you burn the disk at your slowest speed to minimize errors. Also are you using winRAR to unpack the .iso and then burning the files or using something like Nero and selecting the option to burn an iso image? My first time burning an iso for install went horribly wrong because I unpacked the iso and then burrned the files and folders to a disk because I didn’t know any better, which messed up some of the files.
Feisty Fawn is in da house yeah!! « Silent Corner said
am June 4 2007 @ 9:12 am
[...] blog tentang PS3 tepatnya instalasi feisty di PS 3). Pada situs tersebut (psbuntu.com) tepatnya di sini, di salah satu tanggapan oleh Clutch ternyata ada proses sistem yang mengakibatkan instalasi [...]
Singularity0821 said
am June 6 2007 @ 8:47 am
Thank you very much, guys! I followed your guides (Clutch and Jugi) and finally it worked. Partitioning Clutch’s way the installation just stopped and returned to the LiveCDs desktop. I’ve just used the automatic partitioning and confirmed the dialog asking me if I want to continue without a newworld partition (it’s only needed if you install it in Apple’s Bootstrap!) and then it worked!
Colin Watson said
am June 8 2007 @ 11:45 pm
I’ve released http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/custom/20070608-feisty-ps3/ which should fix the worst of the installation issues mentioned here with the final Ubuntu 7.04 release. Specifically, it fixes the bogus “newworld” warning (you really don’t need a newworld partition on PS3s - the warning was a leftover that shouldn’t have been there), the hang at 15% during installation (well, it works around that anyway), and the kboot.conf device naming problems.
With regard to the screen size problems: it is a bug, but trickier than it might seem to fix (I’ve tried in the past and not got very far) and probably not one we’ll deal with very urgently. However, I wouldn’t recommend running a desktop system on a PS3 unless you’re using HDMI anyway, as it’s going to be painful at low resolutions for reasons other than the installer. A trimmed-down server-type installation is probably more practical if you just want to use the PS3 as a compute node.