Ps3Hacks » Ps3 Hacking News. » PS3 Fedora-Core Guide.

I have followed a couple of guides across the net for installing Fedora-Core (linux distro) on your PS3. The fact that this will give you firefox2, Vlc Player and possibly emulators alone makes this a very attractive option.

I found that some of the guides were helpfull, some not so helpfull. But after plenty of arsing about i got it installed and going.

So here is my own guide for you all. If you follow this guide step by step you shall succeed too.

Tools Needed
1- PS3 (updated to 1.10)

2- A copy of Fedora Core 5 DVD ONLY(PPC Edition)
Get it Here (this is the japanese server, you may wish to find a closer server. and remember you want build 5 for PPC)
3- PS3 Linux Addon cd. Get it Here
4- Sony's "Other Os installer" Get it Here
5- USB Keyboard and Mouse
6- Some kind of USB storage drive
7- Plenty of spare time (this does take around 2 hours)

--------->click "read More for the rest with pictures.

Getting Started

Stage 1.

First off you will need to burn the Fedora-Core ISO to a dvd and the PS£ linux addon disc to CD.
Then plug the USB storage device into your PC and in the root of the device create a new folder called "PS3" inside this folder create a new folder called "otheos".
Now inside the "addon CD" ISO you will see a folder named "KBOOT" inside that you will find a file named "otheros.bld" copy that into the "otheros" folder on the USB Storage device.

Stage 2.

It's best to install onto a fresh drive, so you will need to format and partition the ps3 HDD. (the formatting will delete all demos, game saves etc, but will not delete any accounts made. The partitioning of the drive and even the whole instalation is completely safe and 100% reversable.)

So boot up yr PS3 and go to: Settings>System settings>Format Utility.
From here it will give you the oportunity to make a partition for a "Other OS" its best to leave 10-15 gig partition for the "other OS" (if you are installing on a 20 gig ps3 this is yr only option.)
Then let it format and reboot.
On the next bootup insert your USB storage Device.
Now once at the XMB go to: Settings>System Settings>Install Other OS. Click ok, and it will install the kboot from the usb device.
When it has done this, go to: Settings>System Settings>Default System and choose "Other OS".
Then Reboot the PS3.

Stage 3. (at this point you should plug a USB keyboard/mouse into the PS3 USB ports)

Now when the PS3 reboots, it will boot into the Other OS installer.
At this time insert the fedora core 5 DVD into the PS3 Drive.
At the prompt type the following: install-fc sda

It will start then you will be prompted with this message: "Please insert Fedore Core install DVD.
Is it OK? (y/n)"
choose "Y" and hit enter.

It will now start preparing your install.
You will shortly get prompted with this message:

"1. install fedora core minimal install
2. install fedora core full install"

Type "2" and enter. (FULL INSTALL)

It will at this point start the install and look something like this:

At this point you can just leave it as it will take about 2 hours. (just keep a check on the percentage progress on the screen)

When this reaches 100% the disc will eject and you will be prompted for the PS3 linux addon cd. Pop that in the drive and you will get this message:
"Please insert a Addon Packages CD.
Is it OK? (y/n)"
type "y" hit enter and it will carry on the install.

Once this has finished installing at the prompt type reboot.
At some point during the install you will be asked to create a password for the "root" user.

Once rebooted it will load up and ask you for username. type: root
then in password type the password supplied earlier.

then you will get to the "root@localhost" prompt, there type: startx

fedora will then start up. (you may get a config screen, go through it and configure).

Please note that while my installation went through ok, it had problems with the network connection. though this maybe as i skipped the config screen at the start.

!! IMPORTANT !!

Everytime you boot up the ps3 from this point it will boot into linux. If you wish to stop this and boot the normal PS3 os then when you turn the PS3 on, hold the power down for 5 seconds. from then on everytime you boot it will boot PS3 as normal. (if you wish to go back to linux, in system settings go to "default system" and choose "other os" again)

If you wish to get rid of fedora and the partitions simply go to the format utility in system settings and format it choosing to "leave whole drive to PS3 OS. These options also apply if the linux install buggers up for any reason. (just hold down power for 5 secs)

If anyone can add to this article, please do in the comments.

cheers......TG