This page shows you how to prepare your Playstation 3 to install Linux. It is the first step in the process of installing Ubuntu on the PS3.
What you need
- A PS3-compatible version of Ubuntu burned on a CD. They are usually 500MB+, so start downloading it to your computer right away. For information on how to burn iso files to a cd, see this page.
- A USB keyboard and mouse. Wireless input devices should work fine (with a dongle).
- A USB stick or external hard disk (if you want to backup files and saved games on your PS3).
Formatting the PS3 hard disk
The first thing you need to do is to format the PS3s hard disk to make room for a second operating system (called the “OtherOS”). This partition will take up 10GB of the PS3s hard disk space.
Your user profiles and account information will remain on the XMB, but remember to back up any saved games or media files you want to restore after formatting the PS3. Use a USB stick or an external hard disk to copy the content. Your game saves are located under Game > Saved Data Utility. All Playstation Store content you paid for can be downloaded again without paying. They’ll be in your account history in the PS Store.
- Go to [System Settings] > [Format Utility].
- Select “Format Hard Disk” and click [Yes].
- Choose [Custom] and [Allot 10GB to the Other OS].
- Select [Quick Format] and confirm with [Yes].
Formatting will take a few seconds. Press X to restart the system.
Log in (you need to hit the PS button on your controller if it’s deactivated after restart).
Installing Other OS
- Insert the disk you burned into the PS3. And connect the keyboard and mouse.
- Go to [System Settings] > [Install Other OS].
- Select “Other OS” and hit “Yes” to restart the system.
Move on to Step 2: Installing Ubuntu on the PS3.
