The otheros.bld file on the latest Gutsy release (10-25-2007) had an issue with USB deregistering that made the installer halt. To avoid it you need to use an alternate kboot. Here’s a quick howto:

Download this otheros.bld file and put it on a USB stick or burned media using the path

/PS3/OTHEROS/otheros.bld

Then, with the media inserted in the PS3, select [System] > [System Settings] > [Install Other OS]. The system will detect the otheros.bld file and use it to install a different kboot. Insert a CD with a burned iso of the latest Ubuntu port for the PS3, and set [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Default System] to [Other OS].

You should now be able to install the latest Ubuntu release by following our installation guide from step 3.

We have updated the instructions for installing Gutsy Gibbon on your PS3, using the alternate Xubuntu CD. There are some problems with the latest release (see previous blog post) hanging at the deregistering screen on some consoles, so until this is fixed use the october 18th releases instead.

The installation process has come a long way in terms of simplicity (just have a look at the Edgy Eft howto from earlier this year!). But there are still some quirks and problems you need to be aware of with the latest version. If you find alternative or better ways to do things please add a comment or forum post.

The Ubuntu team created a custom package installer specifically for PS3 that eliminates the “cant load kernel” error. Get it while it’s hot:

http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/custom/20071025-gutsy-ps3/

UPDATE: You need to use a different kboot than the one contained on the iso file to avoid a USB deregistering bug. See this post for instructions.

With the recent release of Ubuntu 7.10 the PS3-version has gone through a few architectural changes. Be aware of this if you’re planning to upgrade your Feisty installation directly:

1. Kernel flavor has changed from powerpc64-smp to cell. So if you’re upgrading directly from 7.04 to 7.10, you should run this before or after the upgrade:
$ sudo apt-get remove linux-image-powerpc64-smp linux-powerpc64-smp linux-restricted-modules-powerpc64-smp
$ sudo apt-get install linux-cell
2. Block device names have also changed from the normal /dev/sd1 to /dev/ps3d1 - so if you changed /etc/fstab to refer to hardcoded device names, you will need to adjust these for the new kernel.

Or if you prefer a clean install; wait for the PSUbuntu.com Gutsy installation instructions to be published on this site in a few days, or consult our forums!