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Yellow Dog Linux v5.0 for PS3 Announced

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the some-people-seem-to-care dept.

News for nerds writes "Yellow Dog Linux v5.0 is slated for release mid-November with support for the Sony PS3 first, and support for the former Apple PowerPC product line to follow. Any updates required to support the Apple PowerPC systems following the release for PS3 will be made available via a free download."

142 comments

  1. What? by Ricken · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Did you say free? Someone pinch me!

  2. PSP Homebrew by WilyCoder · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Given Sony's behavior regarding the PSP and using homebrew on it, I am highly skeptical of this PS3 linux project. How can we be sure that Sony will not resort to forcing firmware upgrades on new games? Some of the latest firmware upgrades for PSP do absolutely nothing but thrwat homebrew attempts. Sony has suddenly done a 180 on homebrew? And for its flagship product?

    Lest we not forget how crippled the PS2 linux project was (the $700 one)....

    1. Re:PSP Homebrew by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      Sony had its own linux distribution on PS2 (even if they only did a limited run of it), specifically for homebrew, prior to that they had Net Yaroze on the original Playstation. So PSP is actually the system deviating from the norm here. The reason PSP hasn't had one? I don't know. But the constant firmware updates are to patch holes in the main PSP OS, which if left exposed, could offer avenues for piracy. Offering Linux on PS3 does not in and of itself make the PS3's 'Game OS' any less secure - there'll be updates to that OS, but that's living in a seperate world to Linux, and is irrelevant as far as Linux is concerned.

    2. Re:PSP Homebrew by drinkypoo · · Score: 2, Interesting
      Sony had its own linux distribution on PS2 (even if they only did a limited run of it), specifically for homebrew

      Correct me if I'm wrong but sony never gave away all the information needed to fully utilize the hardware. I won't be excited until I know that will happen this time around. (And STILL won't actually be excited until the systems are available used.)

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    3. Re:PSP Homebrew by SQLz · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Sony is pushing PS3 homebrew development big time. They are building an entire community around Linux PS3 development. This is not normal Sony behavior for sure but, its in their best interest to do so. They are HEAVY Linux in the office ($1 to Microsoft is an investment into Microsoft) and basically, it revolves around the idea that the PS3 is going to be more of a personal computer / home entertainment / gaming box. At E3, Sony exec Izumu Kawabishi said "Because we have plans for having Linux on board the PS3 we also recognise Linux programming activities and we'de like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3". The advantage is that more people will understand the architecture and create cool software for it. Its going to be sweet.

    4. Re:PSP Homebrew by badboy_tw2002 · · Score: 2, Informative

      They don't really have a choice considering MS is allowing development with full HW access on the Xbox later this year through its XNA program. Having homebrew done on their terms means even less legitimacy for such things as mod chips, and control over things like copyright protection. 3rd party homebrew systems won't get much support because, hey, they already give it to you right out of the box. I don't see this as an issue though - this is a good thing, and hopefully both programs will be succesful enough that console development will open up even further in the future. Listen up Nintendo!

    5. Re:PSP Homebrew by FrankDrebin · · Score: 1

      Sarah Ewen, Sony's "Linux Evangelist" gave a talk a LugRadioLive 2006 in July where she dropped a major hint that the PS3 would ship with Linux on the HDD. Even if that turns out to not be true, I came away with the distinct impression that Linux on the PS3 was important to Sony and would be easily available and well supported.

      --
      Anybody want a peanut?
    6. Re:PSP Homebrew by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They did actually. And for the most part you had basically the same access to the hardware from a programming standpoint as professional developers, the main exception being that you could not access the DVD drive. But that was hardly a deal breaker for home-brew. The only real problem with Linux on PS2 was that its distribution was so limited, so the potential audience who you could engage with and share code was pretty small.

    7. Re:PSP Homebrew by drinkypoo · · Score: 1
      And for the most part you had basically the same access to the hardware from a programming standpoint as professional developers, the main exception being that you could not access the DVD drive.

      So what you're saying is that you had full access to the hardware, except for the primary data storage device?

      Forgive me if I personally feel that access to main storage is kind of a significant feature.

      That's like saying "I have full access to the functionality of my car, except I'm not allowed to shift gears" or something. Obviously that's not a direct simile, but the statement involves a similar utilization of logic.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    8. Re:PSP Homebrew by dioscaido · · Score: 1

      That all sounds great, but as with anything Sony, I'll believe it when I see it.

    9. Re:PSP Homebrew by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's inaccurate to say that you couldn't access the DVD drive. It was that you didn't get raw access to the DVD drive but you could read data off it. You did the initial install from the DVD drive. You also couldn't use the PS2's firewire port. In terms of game development on the hardware, I don't think there were any real restrictions, you just couldn't attach your camcorder or play DVD's. I believe that was for piracy concerns - you also couldn't get quality (non-composite) video output when playing a DVD normally on the PS2.

    10. Re:PSP Homebrew by drinkypoo · · Score: 2, Insightful
      In terms of game development on the hardware, I don't think there were any real restrictions, you just couldn't attach your camcorder or play DVD's.

      Actual PS2 games do both. These are both real restrictions. Saying that there's no "real restrictions" when you can't have raw drive access and can't use the i.Link interface is just being a Sony apologist.

      I believe that was for piracy concerns - you also couldn't get quality (non-composite) video output when playing a DVD normally on the PS2.

      There are those who would say that the PS2 doesn't have quality DVD video output, but it's not because you can only get composite out while playing one. My PS2 is connected only through S-Video and I occasionally use it as a DVD player (although my Xbox does that more often.) You have just disqualified yourself from further participation in this comment. Too bad you're a coward - I guess now we know why.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
  3. Cell servers? by otacon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Considering IBM is making cell processor blade servers, this release further allows end-users to opprotunity to use that same hardware for production and testing purposes, and at what should be fraction of the price.

    --
    In a world of acronyms, the words are the real victims.
    1. Re:Cell servers? by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 1
      Considering IBM is making cell processor blade servers, this release further allows end-users to opprotunity to use that same hardware for production and testing purposes, and at what should be fraction of the price.


      Not really. While the processors may be the same, the driver support is likely to be at least somewhat different. For instance, I rather doubt the PS3 comes equipped with IBM's ServerRAID series RAID controllers or with support for fibre channel SAN storage.
      --
      My blog
    2. Re:Cell servers? by Wornstrom · · Score: 1

      the processor architecture is what's important, when you are compiling code to run on the system.

    3. Re:Cell servers? by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 1

      Sure, if you just need the box to compile native code. Of course, you could always use a cross-compiler.

      But if you want to do actual integration testing, you'll need the real deal.

      --
      My blog
  4. homebrew? by Verunks · · Score: 1

    that's really great! this also means that you can execute some homebrew without a modchip or a sony boot disc like linux for ps2

  5. seems sketchy by Aurisor · · Score: 4, Interesting

    As I remember, Yellow Dog Linux was one of the better linux distros for macs back when they were still on the PowerPC platform. Now that the PowerPC platform is pretty much defunct, I can't help but think that them moving to a:

    - Unreleased gaming console
    - which has been much-maligned for its excessively high price
    - and huge production delays
    - on a new processor architecture
    - using a WM that's not even out of CVS

    seems like biting off more than they can chew, and smacks a bit of desperation.

    Don't get me wrong, I think it's possible, and once I get a PS3 (once the prices get down to sane levels) I think it'll be a neat product to play with...but I'm just glad I don't own any stock in terrasoft :)

    1. Re:seems sketchy by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Informative

      Now that the PowerPC platform is pretty much defunct...

      You might want to let IBM know about that. It seems that they didn't get the memo.

      --
      This guy's the limit!
    2. Re:seems sketchy by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I agree. Part of me says, "well, that kind of makes sense seeing as they want to stay together as a group and keep doing work..." but a bigger part of me says, "why not just make the next release the last release, and concentrate their talents into some other distro?

      Or, even better, make a distro that still concentrates on Apple hardware, but Intel hardware instead of PPC hardware?

      Either way, moving to PS3 strikes me as a dead-end. It's been a full year and change, and nobody's figured out how to run custom code on Xbox 360 yet... what makes them think PS3 will be any easier? (For that matter, Xbox 360 has PPC CPUs also and is cheaper, why not try for that goal?)

      --
      Comment of the year
    3. Re:seems sketchy by bWareiWare.co.uk · · Score: 4, Informative

      That would be the same PowerPC architecture that the PS3 uses then. The OS runs on the PowerPC derived PPE, the SPE are no use to an OS. All the OS can do is expose them is some useful way to userspace.

      Sony are sinking some serious PR money into Terra Soft (the makers of Yellow Dog Linux) to develop some "PS3 based supercomputers":

      http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=773 06D92-BC68-4133-B226-23636E116221

      - Unreleased gaming console
      The CELL was never going to be only for gaming consoles. YDL will be used on several of the biggest supercomputers in the world in a couple of years, not to mention a bucket load of IBM blade servers.

      - which has been much-maligned for its excessively high price
      No one ever said hi-end computing would be cheap.

      - and huge production delays
      Yes, but they are backed by Sony, they will already have their shipments earmarked.

      - on a new processor architecture
      Which is a derivative of the one they are the leading Linux experts on, and is likely to be a very major market in the coming years.

      - using a WM that's not even out of CVS
      Their core market is servers so this is totally irrelevant. I suppose they just wanted something flashy for the expos. (you don't get more flashy then a WM that can bring a 2Gb dual core gaming rig to its knees running xterm!)

    4. Re:seems sketchy by kitzilla · · Score: 1

      ... and the tens of million of Mac PPC users who will remain deployed and supported for many years.

      --
      This is my post. There are many others like it. If you don't like what you read here, go try one of the others.
    5. Re:seems sketchy by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      I think you're going to find that PowerPC is going to go away, leaving only POWER, and embedded PowerPC. Now that apple has gone intel and motorola has stopped making workstations (not that they made that many to begin with) there is basically zero demand for a desktop PowerPC processor outside of IBM. Meanwhile, maintaining an unwanted processor line can only cost IBM money. It makes much more sense, sadly, for them to go with x86-64 than continue to split PowerPC architectures out of POWER ones.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    6. Re:seems sketchy by drinkypoo · · Score: 0, Troll
      ... and the tens of million of Mac PPC users who will remain deployed and supported for many years.

      The ones with G3s or better can run OSX. The ones with anything older than a G3 are dumb, because you can buy a G3 for like a hundred bucks, or hobbyists, in which case there's not a lot of money to be made by selling them Linux. Sure, some of them will want to run linux, but since macs went to being sort of standards-based (68k macs and pre-G3 PPC macs were all very different machines from one another, now they have a unified boot loader and so forth) supporting them has become a lot easier.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    7. Re:seems sketchy by rickb928 · · Score: 1

      Lots of PowerPC chips (embedded no doubt) are being made down the street from my church for automotive applications, some of which will use Embedded Linux kernels I bet.

      the local fab is at 100% output, and can't supply all the need.

      Not to mention the two PowerPC chips running on Mars... Not a big upgrade or growth market, I know, but the PowerPC is not as defunct as the Alpha, which still handles your p0rn rental at Blockbuster... :-)

      rick

      --
      deleting the extra space after periods so i can stay relevant, yeah.
    8. Re:seems sketchy by BecomingLumberg · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Or more directly, why not add the PS3 support into the kernel so that all distros can use it?

      --
      If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.-TJ
    9. Re:seems sketchy by Chanc_Gorkon · · Score: 1

      PowerPC is NOT defunct. There's plenty of PowerPC servers around. You have IBM's Pseries and a host of other smaller companies. PLUS there's a ton of good PowerPC based Mac's out there that you can still run Linux on. PowerPC is still out there.

      --

      Gorkman

    10. Re:seems sketchy by Aqws · · Score: 1

      Also send the memo to the guys who designed the X-box 360.

    11. Re:seems sketchy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What a dumbfuck.

      IBM dumped Apple for the very reason that their PowerPC sales are exploding in volume with the win of all three console manufacturers. And the flood of Cell based systems that aerospace, defense, and media companies are in the process of migrating to. Obviously you are too fucking stupid to follow the relevant industry news sources on the subject.

      Apple was a nightmare to work with for IBM and obviously wasn't worth the less than four percent of IBM's chip business.

      Poor little Apple got dumped by IBM, got turned away by PA-Semi, AMD wasn't interested in bailing them out, Intel for the win!

    12. Re:seems sketchy by drinkypoo · · Score: 1
      IBM dumped Apple for the very reason that their PowerPC sales are exploding in volume with the win of all three console manufacturers. And the flood of Cell based systems that aerospace, defense, and media companies are in the process of migrating to. Obviously you are too fucking stupid to follow the relevant industry news sources on the subject.

      Obviously you are stupid enough to believe everything you read.

      The PowerPC processor accomplished nothing for apple but raising the prices of developing hardware. It's awfully suspicious for your theory that Apple just moved to intel at the time when you could get dramatically more power for significantly less money.

      Cell is great, but the PowerPC in Cell is shrunk down. It's basically a traffic cop; so much more power is in the cell SPEs than in the PowerPC PPE that it can be considered a scheduling apparatus. Cell is there to do the heavy lifting; The PPE is there to feed the cells. But more to the point, it has actually had features removed from it to save money and space.

      I do foresee more cells in use, but I don't think you're going to see the Cell PPE play the lead role in very many workstation-class computers.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    13. Re:seems sketchy by the_greywolf · · Score: 2, Insightful
      - using a WM that's not even out of CVS
      Their core market is servers so this is totally irrelevant. I suppose they just wanted something flashy for the expos. (you don't get more flashy then a WM that can bring a 2Gb dual core gaming rig to its knees running xterm!)

      Have you used it lately, or are you just being facetious?

      E17 uses less than 20MB memory for the entire desktop environment and all the skin flash and bling-bling. (Comare to Gnome, which uses over 100MB alone or KDE which baloons quickly over 200MB!) All E17 needs now is GL compositing and it can replace Compiz as well.

      All that and E17 is pretty and neat and fun to use and pretty! Oooh... shiny!

      --
      grey wolf
      LET FORTRAN DIE!
    14. Re:seems sketchy by be-fan · · Score: 1

      Apple dumped IBM because IBM didn't have any good desktop chips. Mentioning IBM's great embedded chips isn't really useful. Apple isn't in the defense or aerospace markets, its in the desktop and laptop PC markets.

      --
      A deep unwavering belief is a sure sign you're missing something...
    15. Re:seems sketchy by jmorris42 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      > Either way, moving to PS3 strikes me as a dead-end. It's been a full year and change, and nobody's figured
      > out how to run custom code on Xbox 360 yet... what makes them think PS3 will be any easier.

      Well since they are announcing a product I'd say Terrasoft (and Terrasoft has a record of real product releases, i.e they ain't the Phantom Console) actually has PS3 prerelease hardware up mostly running. It would also be a fairly safe assumption that Sony is OK with it because they could shut em down pretty easy if they wanted to.

      Since the BD-ROM is THE big selling point of PS3 it would be daft if they tried releasing a distro that couldn't see it, perhaps this time Sony is actually going to allow Linux to run unmolested. WIth a proper TPCA implementation that would be possible while still locking games down hard.

      Imagine the PS3 running Firefox and OO.o and talking to a wide range of USB devices, including printers, cameras and MP3 players. I just hope Sony imagined it.

      --
      Democrat delenda est
    16. Re:seems sketchy by bWareiWare.co.uk · · Score: 1

      I probably was being facetious, however you prompted me to try e17 again and it has come a long way in the last few months. I was comparing it to my main WM e16, and I am now seriously considering switching.

      However as the 'Bling' module is more than capable of bringing any TwinView set-up to its knees I feel my point stands, but it is unfortunately true of anything that uses composite.

    17. Re:seems sketchy by CronoCloud · · Score: 1

      Yeah this is late.

      Course they imagined it, because I've been doing it since 2002 on the PS2, except for OO. They probably decided to do it when they read about those actually using their Linux kits as desktops.

  6. Brainstorm by UbuntuDupe · · Score: 0, Troll

    Okay, I'm taking guesses on how Sony's use of Linux will violate the GPL. Anyone got an idea?

    --
    Apology to Ubuntu forum.
  7. Re:Yes, Linux is free. by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 2, Informative

    Unless you're paying for packaging, documentation, support, etc.

    --
    Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
  8. Using the joypad?! by Rik+Sweeney · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but:

    Are they mad? How the hell are you going to be able to send an email or write a program using the joypad? That'll take ages! Madness, sheer madness...

    --
    Summation 2
    1. Re:Using the joypad?! by MBCook · · Score: 4, Interesting

      <sarcasm>Yeah, it's not like the PS3 has USB ports.

      Just like the PS2 didn't have USB ports.</sarcasm>

      Seriously though, while anyone with a brain would use a USB mouse and keyboard, I'd love to see them make a joypad only interface just for the fun of it. I've got to say this whole thing is interesting, although it certainly doesn't make the $600 price tag any easier to swallow.

      --
      Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
    2. Re:Using the joypad?! by solevita · · Score: 1

      Sony's PS2 Linux Dev kit came with a USB keyboard. I'm sure that something just as devious will be able to be plugged into the PS3. Another USB keyboard perhaps? I'm sure Yellow Dog will have the drivers.

    3. Re:Using the joypad?! by Rik+Sweeney · · Score: 2, Funny

      Good God, who the hell modded that up as interesting? Everyone knows that I was joking. You couldn't really expect anyone to use a joypad to write a computer program* You'd use a virtual keyboard.

      And a light gun.

      *That said, Net Yaroze did

      --
      Summation 2
    4. Re:Using the joypad?! by chrismcdirty · · Score: 1

      USB.

      --
      It's like sex, except I'm having it!
    5. Re:Using the joypad?! by Manmademan · · Score: 1

      It's already done, actually. If you've used the PSP it allows you to type messages out as one would via cellphone text messaging. Not as fast as using a keyboard, obviously, but light years better than the typical "virtual keyboard" setup. Per the Eurogamer article a couple of days ago that spotlighted the PS3's online service, the PS3 will use something similar in case one does not have/does not want to use a USB keyboard.

    6. Re:Using the joypad?! by vertinox · · Score: 1

      Are they mad? How the hell are you going to be able to send an email or write a program using the joypad?

      I have a USB keyboard for the PS2. I never used it that much but it currently resides as a keyboard for an old iMac. Its kind of quaint and small form factor. Heck... It even doesn't have any windows keys.

      --
      "I am the king of the Romans, and am superior to rules of grammar!"
      -Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor (1368-1437)
    7. Re:Using the joypad?! by xenocide2 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Given the asian affinity for DDR, perhaps a Dance Mat input method is in order?

      --
      I Browse at +4 Flamebait

      Open Source Sysadmin

    8. Re:Using the joypad?! by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 1

      no, it didn't.

      The Net Yaroze had a Parallel port connection that let you code, compile, link and download software to the unit.

      --
      Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
    9. Re:Using the joypad?! by emilper · · Score: 1

      the joypad and Dasher : you can get to above 20 wpm, which most people using keyboards don't reach.

  9. Sweet! by justinbach · · Score: 1

    Now I'll be able to emulate the classics from the days of the NES on my $600 PS3 with a Cell Processor!

    River City Ransom, here I come!

    --
    I left my wallet in El Sigundo!
  10. Re:hmmm by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 4, Funny

    "what's a linux?"

    A very powerful form of birth control.

    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  11. Re:Yes, Linux is free. by Daemonstar · · Score: 1
    Well, in this case, support costs less than buying the product without support:

    2 DVDs w/YDL.net Install Support: $49.95 + Shipping Coming soon!
    2 DVDs, no support: $99.95 + Shipping Coming soon!
    I hope that's a typo on their product page. :P
    --
    I don't reply to Anonymous posts; if you have something to say to me, identify yourself or I won't reply.
  12. The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by RichardMarks · · Score: 5, Informative

    Correct me if any of this is wrong...

    I assume the Yellow Dog Linux system will be installed on each harddrive - along with a BluRay system disc for people who need/want to reinstall. I remember someone from Sony saying something along those lines last year.

    Full set of PS3 devtools included with each PS3 for homebrew.

    The PS3 has full support for USB keyboard and mouse and other standard input devices.

    The PS3 will be able to drive a standard monitor at 1080p - 1920 × 1080 rez.

    Don't know if there will be two different boot options - or perhaps they will be using some of the OS virtualization stuff Cell supports.

    Online gaming will be free - only MMORPGs will be charging.

    There will be an online movie/music store.

    You will be able to buy/download PS1/PS2 to your PS3 harddrive and play them.

    You will be able to buy/download PSP games to your PS3 harddrive and play them on your PSP.

    There is stuff where you will be able to stream content wirelessly from your PS3 to your PSP.

    1080p games - the list of 1080p native PS3 games seems to keep growing everyday - I think there are about six just for launch and about 10 - 15 I've read about.

    1080p BluRay movies

    HDMI connector on both versions of the PS3

    Full backwards compatibility with PS1 games through software emulation.

    Full backwards compatibility with PS2 games through hardware emulation - PS2 chips in every PS3.

    You can replace the harddrive with any laptop drive.

    Keep hearing about DLNA compliance and people being excited about that - not sure why yet

    All that for 499 in the US. Wow.

    Also I remember talk of future PS3 versions with more RAM or multiple Cell chips are something Sony is planning. I would die for a dual or quad Cell based system with a couple gigs of RAM running Linux for my desktop.

    1. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I would die for a dual or quad Cell based system with a couple gigs of RAM running Linux for my desktop.


      Plump for a laptop and you may just get your wish.
    2. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Blakey+Rat · · Score: 2, Insightful

      You've listed all the positives of the hardware, but there are some very big questions remaining:

      1) Will Sony allow non-Sony code to run on the console? They don't on the PSP. Why would that policy be different for the PS3?

      2) If they want to continue PPC Linux development, and want to use a console, why aren't they using the Xbox 360 which shares almost all of the features above, except has CPUs that are much closer to the CPUs inside Apple computers, and has been out for a full year already?

      I think what they should do is either dissolve into another distro project (the fewer distros, the better, IMO), or port YellowDog to Intel and specialize in having a distro for Apple hardware.

      --
      Comment of the year
    3. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by jeeperscats · · Score: 1

      Porting yellowdog to intel would be a waste. It is already a port of Redhat to ppc.

    4. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by RichardMarks · · Score: 2, Informative

      http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/16/sony-to-support- homebrew-with-linux-on-ps3/

      "according SCE network system development manager Izumi Kawanishi, the console will ship with a built-in Linux OS, complete with compilers and other tools. It would seem that Sony is indeed inviting homebrew enthusiasts to develop basic applications and game content."

    5. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Um, that was from May. Sony was saying a lot of things back then in hopes that it would drum up some excitement only. It Sony hasn't even delivered final hardware or software to the DEVELOPMENT community yet, even though the box is supposed to ship next month. This won't leave any time for beta testing the games. What a disaster.

    6. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by drinkypoo · · Score: 1

      The only problem is that 256MB is not enough to do much of anything. I mean, you can websurf or read email, but you need minimum 512MB to make a credible desktop system. For $500 I can build a PC which will have better performance on code not explicitly optimized for the cell, and have a half-gig of memory. Ultimately, the primary function of having Linux on the box is that it will make the PS3 a useful media player, and let people do homebrew gaming. For people who only do the web and email things, it will be fine... but that's pretty much none of us. If Sony had charged $40 more and put in a DIMM socket so I could go up to two gigs or so, I might have considered paying their price. I understand why that would be an impractical thing to do, just saying what it would take for it to be worth it to me. Well, and it would help if it didn't say "Sony" on it.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    7. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by drinkypoo · · Score: 1
      according SCE network system development manager Izumi Kawanishi, the console will ship with a built-in Linux OS

      That doesn't mean that it's going to come with YDL. It may very well mean that the system's OS itself is Linux, and it can boot into Linux from its internal Linux, and let you use YDL. This functionality is not that unusual, for example the Cobalt Raq systems have a Linux kernel in flash as a boot loader, which loads another linux kernel from their internal hard drive when they actually boot up.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    8. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by poot_rootbeer · · Score: 2, Informative

      Correct me in turn if any of this is wrong...

      Full set of PS3 devtools included with each PS3 for homebrew.

      Unlikely. Enabling end-users to do homebrew is anathema to the Sony business plan, Net-Yaroze and PS2 Linux notwithstanding.

      The PS3 has full support for USB keyboard and mouse and other standard input devices.

      PS3 supports the USB standard. Whether drivers for keyboards and mice will be available is unknown.

      You will be able to buy/download PS1/PS2 to your PS3 harddrive and play them.

      PS1 possibly, PS2 unlikely. The DVD-based games are too big for most people to consider downloading.

      You will be able to buy/download PSP games to your PS3 harddrive and play them on your PSP.
      There is stuff where you will be able to stream content wirelessly from your PS3 to your PSP.

      Technically possible, although the risk of being another Gamecube/Gameboy Advance Link Cable debacle is pretty high. A consumer shouldn't need to own a PS3 to get the most out of his PSP, or vice versa.

      1080p games - the list of 1080p native PS3 games seems to keep growing everyday

      Apart from tech demos, I'm not aware of more than one or two PS3 titles that will run in native 1080p.

      HDMI connector on both versions of the PS3

      Only on the $599 model, last I heard. No HDMI on the $499er.

      Full backwards compatibility with PS1 games through software emulation.

      Hardware, not software. The PS3 contains the PS2 chipset, which in turn contains the PS1 chipset.

      You can replace the harddrive with any laptop drive.

      Probably no technical barriers to doing that, but I doubt Sony will officially support any drive they haven't sold you themselves.

      I would die for a dual or quad Cell based system with a couple gigs of RAM running Linux for my desktop.

      You probably would have to die for such a machine, because Sony's not going to subsidize such a beast with hopes of getting it into your living room.

    9. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

      What was the point of your post?

      Almost every single item you wrote about you are not only wrong but have to have been actively avoiding any gaming news for over a year.

      HDMI is in the 499 version - confirmed almost a month ago.
      The PS3 is designed for and full supports store bought harddrive upgrades - known since last E3 straight from Sony.
      PS1 emulation has been software only since about midway through the PS2's life.
      And PS1/PS2/PSP game downloads were just revealed last week.

    10. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by LordMyren · · Score: 1

      Cool? Depends entirely on what Sony releases for dev tools. The odds of us getting OpenGL ES access is really low. The odds of us needing it are really high. I would love to be wrong about this, but I highly suspect the whatever tooling Sony bestows to the end user will be massively crippled.

      DLNA would be sweet. UPnP Control over PS3 would be very convenient. I hadnt heard anything about this before.

    11. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by kwark · · Score: 1

      1) Is there any console that come on the market that allowed this? Maybe Sony will make the same move in the future like MS made not so long ago.

      2) Please ask the manifacturer of the xbox360 for specs and how to get Linux running and report back here. You would make many people happy.

    12. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Spruitje · · Score: 2, Interesting


      The only problem is that 256MB is not enough to do much of anything. I mean, you can websurf or read email, but you need minimum 512MB to make a credible desktop system.


      Well, you aren't right.
      256 mb is enough to run a lot of apps on it.
      Most home servers run perfectly with linux and 128 mb.
      So, 256 mb should be enough for most tasks.
      Second, there is a rumor that sony will be installing linux on the HD with a lot of development tools so you can build your own games.
      Third, with linux on it it will also be possible to run MOL on it.
      And fourth, if there is enough demand for more memory in the PS3 sony will come with a system with more memory.
      It's all market driven.
      Maybe, there is a DIMM slot for extra memory onboard (who knows).
      What i've heard is that there will be a PS3 version with a multinorm tv-tuner and a larger harddrive on which you can store video (PVR function) and burn the video on blueray recordables.
      What sony knows is that the PS3 as a mediahub is the future, something microsoft completely missed with their xbox 360.
      And if sony offers this PS3 with larger harddrive, more memory, multinorm tv-tuner (and support for DVB-T, DVB-C and DVB-S) and a blueray recorder I will gladly pay up to 899 euro for it.
      To replace my PVR, DVD player and even my CD player.

    13. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by drinkypoo · · Score: 1
      Most home servers run perfectly with linux and 128 mb.

      I take it you mean home fileservers. Even just running PHP, MySQL, and any popular content management system mandates 512MB.

      Only an idiot (or someone with a huge stockpile of PS3s) would use a PS3 as a file server. You can get a PC that does the same job, in a similar footprint, for half the price.

      Second, there is a rumor that sony will be installing linux on the HD with a lot of development tools so you can build your own games.

      I doubt the full toolchain will come with the system. In fact I believe that Linux is used for the PS3 OS, but that you'll need YDL (or similar) to do any dev. But, only time will tell - and regardless, this is totally immaterial to the idea of whether linux will be useful in its own right, or not.

      And fourth, if there is enough demand for more memory in the PS3 sony will come with a system with more memory. It's all market driven.

      There would have to be a hell of a lot of demand. Doubling the memory in a game console isn't trivial like it is on a PC, because of the very memory architecture of the system.

      Maybe, there is a DIMM slot for extra memory onboard (who knows).

      It's not impossible but it wouldn't be the same kind of memory the system uses for main memory. Only one console has ever done this - the N64 - and that's because the design and small amount of memory meant it was feasible.

      What i've heard is that there will be a PS3 version with a multinorm tv-tuner and a larger harddrive on which you can store video (PVR function) and burn the video on blueray recordables.

      That's pure speculation based on the existence of the "PSX", which is Sony's brand name for the PS2+PVR. Of course, it does seem like kind of an obvious thing to do, so I figure this is probably true. However, it probably won't have any additional memory, the last one cost over $1000 when the PS2 only cost like $250, and it was a CRAPPY PVR. Of the five people who bought one, four thought it was a piece of crap.

      I don't need to go into how PSX was a stupid fucking name after Sony used it for the code name for the original playstation project, and literally thousands of geeks referred to the original as the PSX...

      What sony knows is that the PS3 as a mediahub is the future, something microsoft completely missed with their xbox 360.

      I'll believe it when, out of the box, it plays everything that XBMC does. Otherwise, it's just Sony's attempt to control your living room... in THE FUTURE.

      And if sony offers this PS3 with larger harddrive, more memory, multinorm tv-tuner (and support for DVB-T, DVB-C and DVB-S) and a blueray recorder I will gladly pay up to 899 euro for it.

      So for the price of a PC, you would get a nonexpandable PC that plays games? If it weren't for the games thing, you could just buy an iMac today.

      To replace my PVR, DVD player and even my CD player.

      The PS2 is a shitty CD player, a medicore DVD player at best even in the second revision (and one of the worst DVD players I ever saw in the first revision) and by all accounts the PSX was a lousy PVR. But, if you want the worst of everything, be my guest.

      --
      "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    14. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/060922 e.pdf

      For reference.

    15. Re:The PS3 Details From What We Know So Far by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      lol:)

      but yea its silly, the ps3 is fixed hardware. 256mb system memory, it doesn't matter if it drops to 300 dollars in 2-3 years, its gonna be a sh*t computer next to the quad core intels/amds with gigs of ram people will have by then. and well if you are so poor you have to resort to ps3 as computer? i don't think so really, there are better avenues like used pcs and such. economy pcs are cheap as hell these days. hdtv's are not cheap:P

      remember sony made the same promises about the ps2 killing pc's a few years back. and well once the price dropped on the ps2 it looked like a toy next to computers that were in use by then. it will be the same with the ps3. this homebrew is cute but useful to almost no one.

  13. Re:Yes, Linux is free. by Ricken · · Score: 1

    But the word "Sony" is also included in the article!

  14. Possible Uses... by cfulmer · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Hmmm... MythTV front-end?

    Having a widely-distributed set-top box capable of running Linux could open up all sorts of interesting projects.

    1. Re:Possible Uses... by chroot_james · · Score: 1

      All sorts of expensive projects... I definitely would not pay $600 for a video game system and then run linux on it. I usually want my linux computers on all the time.

      --
      Reality is nothing but a collective hunch.
    2. Re:Possible Uses... by drunkahol · · Score: 1

      That's GOT to be a winner.

      PS3 under telly. HD signal to big TV. MythTV running on the PS3. Network connectivity to large network storage.

      Sounds like answer to all my media problems round the house.

      The financial controller (the missus) may smell a rat when I propose buying a PS3 though!

    3. Re:Possible Uses... by CastrTroy · · Score: 1

      Isn't mythTV only useful if you have a TV Tuner. Without that, it's just a way to play videos that you get onto the harddrive/network. There's a lot cheaper and easier ways to get a box that will play movies.

      --

      Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
    4. Re:Possible Uses... by Yonder+Way · · Score: 1

      "Isn't mythTV only useful if you have a TV Tuner. Without that, it's just a way to play videos that you get onto the harddrive/network. There's a lot cheaper and easier ways to get a box that will play movies."

      Tunerless front-ends are actually quite useful in a MythTV environment. The matter of value is going to have a different answer for everyone. Is the PS3 only going to be used as a MythTV front end? That's probably wasteful, short of the value of the hack itself. But if it is going to be used for its original intent (playing games!) and then as a MythTV front end when not playing games, I would say that is a very efficient purchase (if it is indeed possibly to easily switch back and forth between both modes).

      As a matter of fact, I would be very likely to buy a PS3 if it could be pressed into dual-use service like this. I am only a casual gamer and would otherwise be unlikely to buy a PS3 strictly for playing games. I figure I have at least 5 years worth of play left in my Xbox so why bother?

    5. Re:Possible Uses... by porkThreeWays · · Score: 1

      When the prices come down, yes. At release time however I could build a much better and expandable micro atx system for that price. In a couple of years I think it might be worth it. But I don't see why yellowdog would work so hard to release an impractible product for the launch.

      --
      If an officer ever threatens to taze you, say you have a pacemaker.
    6. Re:Possible Uses... by knowl · · Score: 1

      That was my plan for about the last year and a half until I saw the pricetag. One of those should do great on reencoding tasks for the backend.

      I think the pricetag is the big killer on this though.

  15. Yellow Dog by From+A+Far+Away+Land · · Score: 1

    I can't help but think of Red Hat, and get into the naming frame of mind when I hear that distribution's name. It makes me wonder what other Linux distros we could come up with.

    Maybe:
    White Boy Linux - it's can't play DDR games very well, but it likes to try.
    Green Worm Linux - made just for kids that like to shove gross things into the faces of girls.
    Black Velvet Linux - when you positively, absolutely, HAVE TO impress a spouse with the computer.

    --
    Oh You POS
    1. Re:Yellow Dog by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Well, considering Yellow Dog was developed as a PowerPC distro based on Red Hat, it all kinda makes sense.

      --
      This guy's the limit!
    2. Re:Yellow Dog by AcidLacedPenguiN · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'd prefer to keep with the monopolistic naming convention:

      purple iron linux
      green wheelbarrow linux
      orange racecar linux
      and finally silver battleship linux.

      I may have missed something but I'm sure another /.er will save the day.

      --
      disclaimer: I've been known to store numbers in my ass for which to dig out when quantities are required.
    3. Re:Yellow Dog by businessnerd · · Score: 1

      I hate to break it to you, but the "white" distribution has already been stolen. White Box Enterprise Linux

      --
      "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how drunk you get." -- H. J. Simpson
    4. Re:Yellow Dog by From+A+Far+Away+Land · · Score: 1

      Darn. I guess Eggshell White Boy Linux is still a go though? I bet every PS3 luser would love to have that on their system.

      --
      Oh You POS
  16. Bluetooth keyboard and mouse! by IYagami · · Score: 1

    Like the ones provided by apple!

    http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/
    http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

    1. Re:Bluetooth keyboard and mouse! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Or pay 1/10th the price and get one off of teh eBAYS!

  17. Re:This is great news by pl1ght · · Score: 1

    Yeah, i was gonna say the same thing until i remembered the 100k+ units already presold. Nice try.

  18. Irrelevant? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is YDL now irrelevant? Ubuntu PPC works like a charm (including Aiport Extreme for i/Power-Books and autoconfiguring for dual booting OS X). There are other strong PPC versions of "mainstream" distros (I run Gentoo on my iBook). So I can't see any reason why I would want YDL.

  19. This should be interesting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Linux on a Sony platform... a good thing for a sane person thinking, but on slashdot.... release the anti sony fud in 3...2...

    seriously, Sony could say they're giving away free supermodels and everyone would be "but the supermodel is reallly a root kit lololololol!!!!!11!!"

  20. rootkit by hkBst · · Score: 0, Troll

    but does it come with a Sony rootkit?

  21. I hate to be picking a nit . . . by mmell · · Score: 1

    but, erm, ever heard of Blue Gene ? We use plenty of POWER architecture machines and chips here!

  22. Featuring E17 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Anyone notice the big "featuring e17" in the banner?

  23. Also, the PS3 supercomputer... by Otter · · Score: 2, Informative
    I've been grumbling for days about my submisisons on this being overlooked, but Terra Soft isn't just making the OS, they and Sony are building a PS3-based cluster.

    You may now return to your regularly scheduled news about Jack Thompson and SCO.

    --
    What I'm listening to now on Pandora...
    1. Re:Also, the PS3 supercomputer... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Still grousing eh? Mod parent off-topic.

  24. And how will Sony react? by tlhIngan · · Score: 1

    If YDL is free for the PS3, then don't you think Sony might... object?

    After all, Sony's probably heavily subsidizing the PS3, hoping to recoup them by game sales. And of course, you don't have to buy games on the PS3 for YDL...

    One of the main reasons the Sony PS2-Linux kit was $250 was basically to cover the PS2 subsidy (so Sony would make up the difference in hardware cost vs. sales price in selling the Linux kit).

    1. Re:And how will Sony react? by utway · · Score: 1

      I'm under the impression that at least one version of Linux is supposed to come preinstalled on the PS3 harddisk?

      Anyway, unlike in PS2 where the harddisk is used exclusively for Linux, together with a keyboard and mouse covered in that $250 charge, the PS3's harddisk is mainly used for games. The cost of the harddisk is already covered in the PS3 price tag.

      What I'm not sure is whether the YDL is the preinstalled Linux OS though.

  25. Funny, but... by hummassa · · Score: 4, Insightful

    my two kids + the fact that I'm a user of Linux for the former 13 years ==> linux is not a really effective form of birth control.
    Now, living in mom's basement and not bathing regularly everyday would be.

    --
    It's better to be the foot on the boot than the face on the pavement. ~~ tkx Kadin2048
    1. Re:Funny, but... by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 1
      Now, living in mom's basement and not bathing regularly everyday would be.


      I think I read somewhere that Linux causes that, too...

      The hidden truth is that there's a large segment of *BSD, Mac OS X and Windows users so afflicted; the best we can seem to infer is that the disease is actually platform independent.
      --
      My blog
    2. Re:Funny, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
      my two kids + the fact that I'm a user of Linux for the former 13 years ==> linux is not a really effective form of birth control.
      It was effective birth control for you. That explains why your two kids look like the mailman.
    3. Re:Funny, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      The hidden truth is that there's a large segment of *BSD, Mac OS X and Windows users so afflicted; the best we can seem to infer is that the disease is actually platform independent.


      Gimme a break! Hip stylin' OS X users score more Tang than your Poon ever saw...
    4. Re:Funny, but... by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 1

      "my two kids + the fact that I'm a user of Linux for the former 13 years ==> linux is not a really effective form of birth control."

      Heh. That's why I intentionally used the word 'powerful' instead of effective.

      --

      "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

    5. Re:Funny, but... by WilliamSChips · · Score: 1

      I usually don't like homophobic jokes but I'm strangely compelled to make a joke about Mac users and homosexuality...

      --
      Please, for the good of Humanity, vote Obama.
    6. Re:Funny, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I live in the attic, you insensitive clod!

  26. Re:This is great news by AcidLacedPenguiN · · Score: 1

    Yes, unfortunately all but 3 of those units are going on ebay on Launch Day plus one.

    --
    disclaimer: I've been known to store numbers in my ass for which to dig out when quantities are required.
  27. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  28. Er.... by brunes69 · · Score: 1

    ... I already have all of the above with my Xbox and MythTV. And it cost me $400 less.

    Only downside is it doesn't have enough juice to play true HD video. But the upscaled DVD is amazing.

  29. Re:This is great news by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If there's a fully-functional Linux distribution that works on the PS3, I think interest in the platform will skyrocket. A lot of people might think it's a bit pricey for a gaming system, but it's a bargain for a Cell-based PC with a blu-ray drive. Not so much for home use, but for things like scientific simulations.

  30. PS3 as a GP computer? by IntergalacticWalrus · · Score: 1

    Okay, console-wise the PS3 is overpriced crap, but if you think of the PS3 as a general-purpose Linux-based Cell computer, suddenly 599 USD seems like a pretty sweet deal, considering all the cool hardware you get with it.

    Linux on the PS2 sucked because the PS2 was not well suited as a general-purpose computer (slow CPU even at the time, insufficient amount of RAM, shitty video output capabilities), and the kit was overexpensive because they had to include an hard disk with it (that couldn't be simultaneously used with games, which made the deal even less interesting). But now with the PS3 the built-in hardware is good enough for many typical computer tasks. The only real thing missing is DVI output, preferably DVI-I. Can one easily convert HDMI to DVI-D?

    Let's hope Sony will get a clue, and allow the PS3 to become the ultimate Cell workstation.

    1. Re:PS3 as a GP computer? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, HDMI and DVI use the same video standards. However, HDMI also includes audio and remote control features.
      In other words, DVI can drive an HDMI screen and vice versa, however DVI cannot drive sound to an HDMI screen, and likewise, sound from HDMI will not be delivered to a DVI screen.

    2. Re:PS3 as a GP computer? by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Over priced? not likely. It's the same price as an xbox360 + HDDVD Unit.

      --
      Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
    3. Re:PS3 as a GP computer? by IntergalacticWalrus · · Score: 1

      Over priced? not likely. It's the same price as an xbox360 + HDDVD Unit.

      Comparing it to an XBox360 (with an addon, no less) doesn't make it any less overpriced.

    4. Re:PS3 as a GP computer? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Can one easily convert HDMI to DVI-D?

      YES! You sure can! I was at Wal-Mart the other day and saw for about $30 two converters. One for DVI to HDMI, and the other for HDMI to DVI. So, yes it will be very simple to hook a LCD monitor to the PS3!

      Also, if you look both DVI and HDMI on Wikipedia you'll see that both of them use very similar signals and connections. The only difference is that HDMI includes audio along with video.

    5. Re:PS3 as a GP computer? by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 1

      In constant dollars, the NES would've cost as much as a PS3

      Happy? It didn't even have BluRay!

      --
      Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
  31. This is pointless. :) by Quixadhal · · Score: 0, Troll

    What's the point of porting Linux to the PS3? Anyone who can afford to buy one of these diamond-encrusted consoles has enough money to install a Microsoft OS on it...

    *ducks*

    1. Re:This is pointless. :) by the_greywolf · · Score: 1

      The trouble is, Microsoft OSes don't run on real (read: useful) architectures like PPC.

      :D

      --
      grey wolf
      LET FORTRAN DIE!
    2. Re:This is pointless. :) by jZnat · · Score: 1

      The day Microsoft Windows supports more architectures than x86 is the day RMS admits that software patents are a good idea.

      --
      'Yes, firefox is indeed greater than women. Can women block pops up for you? No. Can Firefox show you naked women? Yes.'
    3. Re:This is pointless. :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      they used to do that in the nt - 2000 days

    4. Re:This is pointless. :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Stallman must be a really big fan of software patents then, considering the Windows ports to Alpha, ARM, IA-64, MIPS and SuperH architectures.

    5. Re:This is pointless. :) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Who wrote the Xbox 360 OS then?

  32. of course Sony will require firmware upgrades... by YesIAmAScript · · Score: 1

    And they will tighten security holes.

    What does this have to do with the PS3 linux?

    PS1 had Net Yaroze.
    PS2 had PS2 Linux
    PS3 has PS3 Linux

    All are somewhat crippled, but provide some level of homebrew development for the platform. This isn't a 180 on home console homebrew, it's just the latest phase.

    --
    http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
  33. Mac lusers abuse moderation most by drinkypoo · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You know, I've noticed that when I make comments in stories about how great Linux is, and I say something about Linux, no one feels a need to go off on me... but when there's a story about Apple, and I say something about it, I get modded down in the worst bullshit ways possible. Apple Zealots are the most reactionary, least fair type on slashdot. Not that one expects Zealots to actually be fair.

    Obviously using a one-button mouse for too long rotted someone's brain, so I'm going to explain: Trolling is when you say something you don't believe in order to elicit a desired response. I believed everything I said in the comment above, so if anything it would be Flamebait - unnecessary comments made not because they're something you felt a need to say, but because you knew they would piss people off.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    1. Re:Mac lusers abuse moderation most by krakelohm · · Score: 1

      I am guessing the reason you are modded as a troll is because right off the bat in the second sentence you are calling names. "The ones with anything older than a G3 are dumb" Yes you can pick up a G3 for dirt cheap, but just because someone chooses not to does not make them dumb.
      Then your next post (parent) starts going all batshit on why you were modded wrong. Then break out the ol "one-button" mouse comments... so exactly why do you think you are not trolling/flaiming?

      --
      You are all a bunch of idots.
  34. it's $499 by YesIAmAScript · · Score: 1

    Not $599.

    For $499 you get everything the $599 has except the larger HD, built-in WiFi and a CF and SD card reader.

    You can upgrade the HD, and add WiFi and SD/CF card reading via USB.

    The PS2 Linux kit was overexpensive because Sony wanted it that way. There was a network/HD adapter for the PS2 later that cost a lot less than $700.

    HDMI can be converted to DVI-D with a simple physical adapter or cable. They use the same signalling for video. How about for $5?

    http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.as p?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&style=

    --
    http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
  35. the root password is... by rbanffy · · Score: 1

    The default root password is R1-L2-circle-square-left-R3 and a full circle with the right analog stick.

    --
    http://www.dieblinkenlights.com
    1. Re:the root password is... by suds · · Score: 1

      Thats quite funny! :)
      I wish I've some modpoints left.

  36. I wonder. by LWATCDR · · Score: 1

    Maybe Sony is paying Terrasoft to port Linux to the PS3 as it's native OS.
    IBM has developed a lot of the development tools for the Cell and they run under Linux.
    Could it be that Terrasoft YDL is the OS for the PS3?
    If so will we see Firefox running on the PS3 at launch to compete with Opera on the Wii?
    I can imagine all sorts of interesting uses for the PS3 with Linux.
    Sony is going to have a version of eyetoy for the PS3. Are we going to see Video conferencing for the PS3?
    Frankly this could make me want a PS3 after I get my Wii.

    --
    See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
  37. Re:hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And for those of you who use windows, there's World of Warcraft.

    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/29946

  38. Re:hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I think you'll find I was on topic thanks - the actual rating you wanted was "-1 troll" or, "+5 insightful" so please fix that. Thanks.

  39. Further proof that mac users need more help by drinkypoo · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    I am guessing the reason you are modded as a troll is because right off the bat in the second sentence you are calling names.

    and

    exactly why do you think you are not trolling/flaiming?

    First of all: Flame ends with an "e", not "iam". Get with the program, kid.

    Second of all: A troll and a flame are not the same thing. The fact that you are still not able to grasp this concept even after I posted an entire comment on the subject illustrates the fact that you are a bear of very little brains.

    The simple fact is that I was not trolling and your inability to realize this means that you're just another newbie who doesn't "get it". Please leave slashdot immediately, people like you are dropping both the mean IQ and the overall geek factor here.

    --
    "You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
    1. Re:Further proof that mac users need more help by krakelohm · · Score: 1

      flaming
      -adjective
      1. emitting flames; blazing; burning; fiery.
      2. like a flame in brilliance, heat, or shape.
      3. intensely ardent or passionate: flaming youth.

      Yes I did misspell it, my bad, us mortals do that on occasion. Ya know on my one button mac I have this handy built in spell checker, but I am at work with pc and spellbound just does not add up.

      I do in fact know what the difference between a troll and a flamer is. I was talking about two different posts so I figured you would pick up that fact, my bad assumption.

      I could continue.. but really whats the point.

      P.S. Have a great day :)

      --
      You are all a bunch of idots.
  40. On the other hand... by DrYak · · Score: 1

    On the other hand Cell processors are most famous for their insanely powerful vector math capability.

    1. Most Cell blade server will certainly be used as part of giant scientific cluster (à la Folding @ home cell-edition) not in a NAS/SAN or database server. What matters realy is the complex CPU architecture, and PS3s (maybe not the few first sold at 600$, but once the price drops) may be converted as developpement platform to code and test the distributed calculation algorithm before it's put into production on the actual "much more expensive than 600$" cell server cluster.

    2. We're speaking about linux. A huge code base that is already ported to numerous architectures, with a lot of already tested drivers, etc. Most likely, the controllers on new cell servers will be similar to those on previous servers. And maybe using them would basically be only recompiling the already available drivers from the kernel tree into cell machine code.

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
    1. Re:On the other hand... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yea but by the time the price drops it will be obsolete compared to the processors/computers out on the market. you must realize the cell processor and memory/systems in a ps3 are fixed from day one, they will never improve. they are fast now, and the memory is barely adequate for personal computing, but in a few years it will look truely silly to even consider the platform. its fixed, there are no upgrades user or by sony.

  41. If It Runs on RevC iMac's, I'll Buy It by reallocate · · Score: 1

    I could care less about the PS3, but if Yellow Dog releases something that runs acceptably on my Mac -- a RevC iMac iSight -- I just might buy it. If they manage that trick, they'll be the first Linux distro to do so.

    --
    -- Slashdot: When Public Access TV Says "No"
  42. Like PS2 kit, VAT ? by makapuf · · Score: 1

    If you recall, I think there was a Basic language on PS2 CD set.
    It was just so you can boot thos and pretend they were computers : in some parts of the world, computers are lower VAT than game consoles. But the prog language was worthless and impossible to program homebrws with it, of course

  43. (Even Better?) OSX on PS3! by WikiTerra · · Score: 1
    Under applications there is listed an emulator, mol, which is a "Virtual machine capable of running Mac OS and Mac OS X."

    Click on mol and you see...

    "With MOL you can run Mac OS [X] under Linux - in full speed! All PowerPC versions of Mac OS are supported (including MacOS MacoS 9 and MacOS X)."

    http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/products/ydl/inc luded/index.php?s_cat_disp=2&app_list=32#2/

    Tell me this does not kick ass.

  44. The Official PR by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Terra Soft has made the official announcement today, including more details. The distribution is being released with Sony's agreement, and will be freely available on public mirrors. Sounds like it's a fully fledged distribution, with some 'PS3 enhanced' applications, including gcc 3.4.4 and glibc 2.4, a Cell SDK, and enhanced versions of Firefox, Open Office, Nautilus etc. alongside the regular selection of apps you'd expect that haven't necessarily been 'enhanced' (whatever that means) for PS3.

    Here's the full announcement:

    http://www.terrasoftsolutions.com/news/2006/2006-1 0-17.shtml

  45. The obvious question by k33l0r · · Score: 1

    The obvious question: "Will this mean we can hack the PS3?"

  46. Re:This is genius. :) by Mike+Zilva · · Score: 1

    I'm waiting for PS3 just because it will run Linux.
    I'm running Linux since y2k on every computer I can and can't imagine going back to MS software model.
    PS3 has power needed to run detailed games and offcourse it can run easily Linux without any extra hardware cost.
    If you don't really know what Linux is/does/might do, don't expect to predict if you would like running Linux on PS3.
    Even if you think you know what Linux can do, think again it might be doing something in the future you'll dream about. Ever heard of the MATRIX? neo didn't know what it was... U'll need to live inside Linux for a while just to start understanding that there are no limits...
    "But I just want to play GAMES!!!" you could live in a game, but at least try to understand: some one can make your life much brighter with the right tools on your platform.