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Looking Closely at the Restrictions of Linux on the PS2
Hal-kun writes: "I wrote an interesting article about Sony's upcoming Linux distro for the PS2 and some intellectual property concerns I have with it. It's an intresting look at how Sony limits the ability to have full access to the system, yet being able to keep it under GPL."
"I wrote an interesting article" - very brave, just aching to be flamed :-)
I think I'll read it now.
All I want is a secure system where it's easy to do anything I want. Is that too much to ask ~~ Randall Munroe
Allow me to segway for a bit;
either that's funny, or he's just dumb.
No, no, no. That is simply not true. As documented at this playstation community web site (set up to support ps2 linux). While the complete hardware specification is indeed not made available, the device drivers (with source code) allow access to the restricted i/o devices. So you WILL have access to the hard disk, although you won't be able to make cd/dvds that you can read on the ps2.
Also, while the i/o and sound subsystems are wrapped up in the RTE, by contrast the EE cpu, the vector units, the DMAC and the GS are not only fully open for you to play with, but their specs are provided in the proper system manuals (provided on disc) and libs tools and source code are provided to help you use them. Put another way, you have full access to the graphics and cpu side of ps2. This is great for anyone wanting to play with the ps2s awesome graphics power, and a real opportunity for anyone wanting to get into games development!
Garunteed for the life of the product.
That's why I'm stocked up on "pre-ban" 486's and low end Pentiums. I'm going to make a killing on eBay when this happens.
CEE5210S The signal SIGHUP was received.