So you want to turn your PS3 into a computer? Perhaps you dont have space for a PC or you simply want to make some use out of power of your PS3.

Whatever your means we have the perfect article for you.

For those of you which dont know what linux is, it is an open source operating system just like Windows. However unlike Windows this operating system is free online and there are various versions available tailored to suit your demands. Due to it being open source this means that anyone is able to take its core “unix” and modify it or extend it. There are also various free program just like Windows available for it.

Before starting we would be using the Ubuntu version of Linux for this tutorial there are also others such as Yellow dog linux etc. For it to work you must download the ISO from the Ubuntu main website and burn with appropiate software such as imgburn or Nero burning ROM.

Here are the step in order to do so, the process is actually quite simple:

First thing first is to backup your PS3 Hard drive you dont want to loose your game saves or even worse you can brick your machine. The best device i found to backup PS3 Data and gamesave was a USB Pendrive. Now is a good time to pull out that USB drive

Now go to ‘System Settings’ then ‘Format Utility’. You will be asked to format your hard drive. Now simply select ‘Yes’. Now for the partition settings choose the ‘Custom’ setting.

Now you will be given a choice either you could assign the OS with 10GB of Hard drive space or assign the  PS3 with 10GB space i usually make the PS3 use the 10GB and the rest for the OS as the PS3 doesn’t require more than 10GB to function flawlessly.

Insert into your Ubuntu disk which you downloaded earlier. Go to ‘System Settings’ then scroll down to ‘Install Other OS’. The system will carry out a scan and the disk you inserted into the disk drive should be read if burnt properly.

Once you select ‘Enter’ a blue boot screen will appear, this is the linux installation and would look pretty similar as installing windows or a general software. Please note that your controller would be useless at this point and you will need a USB keyboard and Mouse for full functionality.

During the installation process, do not unplug anything that is plugged into your console or power off the console if interupted you may get an installation failure. So even just your external hard drive, do not unplug anything or else the whole process will be canceled and you have to restart.

The software does take a while to install on your PS3, you have to be patient. Once you have installed it, remove the CD from the drive or the system will try access it again when you want to boot your new Linux partition.

Now finally go back to system select default system and select your OS.

The PS3 will now always boot to the other operating system. If you cannot get back into the XMB operating system don’t panic, turn off the PS3 and turn it on finger down on the power button, and it will boot up into XMB with the video settings re-set to low resolution (safe mode). Alternatively, in the “Kboot:” prompt you can type “boot-game-os”

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