Speed up PSUbuntu

Updated for 8.10 Intrepid Ibex

Running Ubuntu on a PS3 can be quite resource intensive due to the low amount of RAM available on the system. This page will show you how to make the OS run smoother by disabling services or running special software.

Tip: Remember to always make a backup when you're editing a system file. The quickest approach is to use the Terminal command cp. For example, to back up /etc/sysctl.conf you'd type:

Drop Unnecessary Processes

Ubuntu, like most other operating systems, ship with some automatically started processes you probably don't need. You should try to minimize the number of running services. From [System] > [Preferences] > [Sessions] you can disable the startup programs in the list that you don’t need. Here's some examples:

• Bluetooth Manager Unless you use any bluetooth devices under linux
• Evolution Alarm Notifier Unless you use the evolution mail client
• Network Manager After you have used it to configure your network connection
• Power Manager The PS3 is not a laptop, so no need for a power manager
• Print Queue Applet Got a printer hooked up to your ps3? Probably not.
• Check for new hardware drivers
• Tracker + Tracker Applet Unless you need a quick desktop search tool
• Visual Assistance

Tracker can also be completely removed using this command:

Drop Unnecessary Services

From [System] > [Administration] > [Services], you can disable

• Automated Crash Reports (apport)
• Bluetooth device management (bluetooth) unless you're using BT-devices

Remove desktop items

If you can live without a desktop wallpaper, set the background to a solid color black instead of the default image. Right click anywhere on your desktop and select "Change Desktop Background".

Applications on the top and bottom gray panels can be removed by right clicking them and selecting "Remove From Panel". You might want to disable User Switcher and Tracker. The entire bottom panel can also be removed, but you should move window list to the main panel first.

Advanced

While the Sessions panel lists most of the common processes, it doesn't show everything. For the full list, you'll need the command line app sysv-rc-conf. To install the package, type:


Be very careful about what you change since you can permanently hose your system using this editor. Remember to backup files and make small changes to single items rather than deleting in batches. After making a change, log out and then log back in to make sure everything still works as you would expect.
As most of the time, google is your friend. Don't hesitate to look up processes to see what they do and if they can be disabled!

A complete guide on this (and other minor tweaks) can be found here∞.

Use fast applications

If you use OpenOffice, go to the preferences window. Look for the Memory option under OpenOffice.org and increase the memory allotted to the Graphics cache, under both the "Use for OpenOffice.org" and "Memory per Object." If you're a heavy Office user and you have RAM to spare, don't be afraid to set these high. Say 100+ for the Graphics Cache and around 10MB per Object. Play around and see what works on your system.

Consider using Midori or the Opera Web Browser if you can live without Firefox 3.

Use a "Lighter" Desktop Environment. Gnome, and especially KDE, can be pretty tough on the processor. Give Xfce (Xubuntu) a try, or try out the even lighter OpenBox or Fluxbox. Learning to master the command line is also a way to go fast, lightweight and simple once you adjust to its way of thinking.

PSUbuntu forum: Applications & Games∞