Installing (X)Ubuntu 8.10 on your PS3

This part of the installation instructions follows Step 1 Setting up your PS3 to run Linux∞. It assumes you have burned the Intrepid Ibex Ubuntu∞ or Xubuntu∞ iso file for the Playstation 3 to a disk.

SEE THE INTREPID RELEASE NOTES PAGE∞ FOR MORE INFORMATION

Make sure you have updated your Other OS in the XMB menu. Intrepid will not install using an old Other OS.
Start up the PS3s XMB system (if in kboot/terminal write: "ps3-boot-game-os" or "boot-game-os").
With the Intrepid disk loaded, go to [Settings > System Settings > Install Other OS]. The otheros.bld file will be detected on the disc. Hit [Start] to update your Other OS.

Go to Default System and switch from PS3 to "Other OS".

Loading the installer

With the Ubuntu disk loaded and OtherOS activated, start up your console, and wait for the installer to begin.

You will be greeted by two penguins and some lines of text. After a few seconds the terminal will display:


Pressing Enter will start the installation with the kernel loading the system. Never mind the usb error message(s), just let the installer start up.

Installing the base system

These instructions are only tested on a ps3 connected to the internet via cable. If you're installing without internet access the process might vary somewhat from the steps below

• First choose a language for the installation process, then your geographical location.
• The system can try to determine your keyboard or you can choose it from a list.
• The CD ROM is scanned, and additional components are loaded.
• If your PS3 is connected to the internet via cable, choose eth0: Ethernet. (unless you are using WEP encryption - wireless networks can be hard to configure from here.)
• Enter a hostname for the system - like "psubuntu".
• Disks and hardware is dectected. If asked if you want to Activate Serial ATA RAID devices just choose yes (anyone know why?).
• When asked how to partition the disks, choose option 2: "Guided - use entire disk" (meaning the 10.7GB you formatted from the XMB in step 1∞).
• On the overview screen, hit "Finish partitioning and write changes to disk". If asked to confirm, choose yes.
• The partition is formatted and base system installed. It should take about 6 minutes.
• Set up your user information (full name, username and password twice), and choose whether you would like to create a private encrypted directory for your user.
• Unless you're using a proxy, leave the HTTP proxy information field blank (just hit enter).
• The system will start installing software. It might appear to hang at 6%, but just give the installer time and it will move on. The process will take about an hour.
• System clock - Yes to UTC.

You're done! The CD will automatically eject itself, but you have to manually take it out of its slot (if you don't, the PS3 will load it upon reboot). Hit Continue to boot into Ubuntu.

At the kboot screen, hit enter. Once greeted by the Ubuntu screen, enter the user name and password you chose during installation.

Congratulations! You should now have a working (X)Ubuntu 8.10 Operating System installed on your Playstation 3. Move on to Setup PSUbuntu for tips on how to configure the screen resolution and making the OS run more smoothly.

PS: If you've chosen to install Xubuntu there is currently a bug that avoids you from opening the file manager Thunar. A quick fix for this is to install the alternative and lightweight file manager pcmanfm:

Additional Installation Resources

It's always good and cool to have online resources to browse besides having to read about it on college essays∞.

How-To: Install Ubuntu On Your PS3 For Vintage Gaming Emulation∞

Ubuntu 7.10 on PS3: Installation guide and first impressions∞

Installing Ubuntu Linux on the PLAYSTATION 3 - (PS3) Live CD∞