Instructions

These instructions show you how to install Ubuntu 7.04 Feisty Fawn on a Playstation 3 with the latest firmware.

Preparation

Download one of the following Ubuntu distributions:

• Ubuntu – The standard version using Gnome Desktop Manager (with the installation bugfix).
• Xubuntu – Using the lightweight XFCE desktop.
• Kubuntu – Ubuntu with KDE.
• Edubuntu – Designed for use in school classrooms.

Burn the image onto a CD. Follow these instructions if you don’t know how to burn iso-images.

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.

Preparing to run the LiveCD

• Insert your burned Ubuntu CD into the Playstation 3.
• Go to Settings > System Settings > Install Other OS.
• The system will detect a file called otheros.bld on your disk. Hit X to start the installer.
• Go to Settings > System Settings > Default System. Set it to Other OS. Restart your PS3 by clicking X.
• At the kboot: prompt, hit Enter. Ubuntu will boot, slowly, from the CD.

Once the system is up and running from the disc, you may now double click the install icon on the desktop to install Ubuntu permanently on your Playstation 3. Select Manual partitioning, and choose the 10.7GB drive.

Tweaks and tips

15% halt error
If you encounter a halt in the installation at 15% (for a very long time), you can try to disable some unneeded services and processes:

• Go to System > Administration > Services and uncheck everything that is marked except the CPU Frequency manager, Graphical login manager and System communication bus.
• Go to System > Administration > System Monitor and select the “Processes” tab. Kill some processes (the essential ones will either restart or refuse to die).

Can’t see all window content
If you’re using a low resoulion monitor, some of the windows will have borders that stretch beyond your visible screen – making it impossible to locate text and buttons. By holding down the Alt-key and left mouse key, you can move the window around to reveal the hidden content.

System is slow

If you feel the system is slow because of the low amount of avaliable RAM, consider using the xfce desktop manager instead of Gnome to speed things up a bit. Open a terminal window and write:

• sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

To boot back to the XMB environment, type boot-game-os at the kboot: prompt.

If you have any questions or comments, consult our psubuntu forum.