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.

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.

A very special thanks goes out to “NobodySpecial” from the Ubuntu forums for this helpful tip on how to enable Java for firefox. You may see the original post here.

For Sun Java:
Download from IBM: http://www-128.ibm.com/developerwork…/download.html
You will have to register (free).
Choose 32-bit iSeries/pSeries, J2SE5.0. Download the TGZ version of the SDK.
The following instructions assume the latest version to download is “ibm-java2-sdk-5.0-4.0-linux-ppc.tgz” - modify the text below as needed.
In terminal:

Code:

$ sudo apt-get install libgtk1.2 libstdc++5 java-package
$ mv ibm-java2-sdk-5.0-4.0-linux-ppc.tgz ibm-java2-sdk-50-linux-ppc.tgz
$ make-jpkg ibm-java2-sdk-50-linux-ppc.tgz
$ sudo dpkg -i ibm-j2sdk1.5_1.5.0_powerpc.deb
$ java -version

The last command should give you a response: java version “1.5.0″
If not, type:

Code:

$ sudo update-alternatives --config java

To get working with firefox:

Code:

$ sudo ln -s /usr/lib/j2sdk1.5-ibm/jre/bin/libjavaplugin_oji.so /usr/lib/mozilla-firefox/plugins

Restart firefox, go to test website: http://serios.net/content/applets/viewinfoawt.php

Enjoy Java!

This guide will help you to install a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator. It should be noted that it is illegal to download roms that you do not own.
Issue the following command in your terminal.
$ sudo apt-get install fceu
You have successfully installed a Nintendo emulator. To play one of your legally obtained roms, issue the following command
$ fceu /path/to/your/legally/obtained/rom.smc
Check out this link for somw info on using FCE Ultra
http://fceultra.sourceforge.net/docs.php#using

Here is a link to the FCE Ultra web site
http://fceultra.sourceforge.net/

This guide will help you to install a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) emulator. It should be noted that it is illegal to download roms that you do not own.
Issue the following command in your terminal.
$ sudo apt-get install snes9x
You have successfully installed a Super Nintendo emulator. To play one of your legally obtained roms, issue the following command
$ snes9x /path/to/your/legally/obtained/rom.smc
Check out this link for some options that you may add to the command
http://www.snes9x.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=3020

Here is a link to the Snes9x web site
http://www.snes9x.com/

Ciego posted some thorough instructions on how to install Ubuntu on the Playstation 3. It goes through all the steps involved, from partitioning and formating to installing and modifying your window manager of choice. It’s the best and most comprehensive tutorial I have seen so far.

So if you have been waiting for the right time to try an alternative OS on your PS3, here’s your chance.