Debian released for PlayStation 3
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Jan 17th 2007 at 2:15PM }
Linux distribution Debian Live has been released for PlayStation 3. All of the components have been neatly packed into one ISO file, meaning you can burn the entire package onto a single CD, pop that badboy into your PS3, and install. What you do with the operating system after that is beyond us. We're just a video game site, remember?So is this why IGN chose PS3?
[Thanks, DBX00]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael @ Jan 17th 2007 2:21PM
Come on - you surely MUST be able to explain why this means SONY will shortly go bankrupt...
Michael
Mindflayer @ Jan 26th 2007 6:00PM
Is this any different then the Yellow Dog Linux as far as access to the GPU is concerned? Thats the killer right now for Linux on PS3 and being able to do things like NES emulation or any decent 3D rendering (i.e. not CPU based) at all for that matter.
DBX00 @ Jan 17th 2007 2:25PM
You guys don't have a problem covering news such as IPTV announcements for XBOX360, so I figured it was still applicable for the site. Regardless, Linux allows you to a world of opportunity once you have it installed (ie. easy movie downloads, music downloads, playing some simple emulators, using AOL instant messenger, etc.) The majority of that stuff isn't game oriented but it does make getting data on the PS3 hard drive (especially one upgraded to 120GB) relatively easy. Just my 2cents.
ConstyXIV @ Jan 17th 2007 2:29PM
I'm a Linux (Ubuntu) user myself, and I have to ask: WHY? Sure, it has the Cell PPC chip, but everything else is crap (low, non-upgradeable RAM, no burner, low HD space). Not to mention the fact it's a PLAYstation. It's built for playing GAMES, despite what Kaz says. Playing games well (if it had more than 3 worth playing right now) does not translate to general-purpose desktop/server work. It looks like they're trying to pull a YABASIC* again.
*YABASIC is a BASIC interpreter Sony shipped with the PS2 in PAL territories to pass it off as a computer, and avoid taxes as such.
pete @ Jan 17th 2007 2:30PM
"Linux allows you to a world of opportunity"
LOLZ @ nerd
Marty @ Jan 17th 2007 2:38PM
Linux released on PS3. 5 nerds get excited. 4 of them, install it, and can't figure out what to do with it after that. And the rest of the world collectively yawns.
alexanderwales @ Jan 17th 2007 2:38PM
I don't want IPTV on the 360, I don't want Linux on my PS3.
I have an actual computer. With an actual graphics card. And 200GB of hard drive space. And a mouse, and a keyboard, and why the fuck would I want to turn the 360 or the PS3 into the thing that my computer already is?
Please. Games. That's all I ask for.
Saneless @ Jan 17th 2007 2:48PM
"Come on - you surely MUST be able to explain why this means SONY will shortly go bankrupt..."
Well, duh. Sony PS3 as linux only = no games bought = no royalties = Sony subsidized you with no benefit to themselves.
Word @ Jan 17th 2007 4:04PM
Linux by itself is crap! It is the most up-surd OS out there, and people claim it to be great, are only doing so because they want to look like technical aptitudes. Come on morons, its a free OS but the UI is lame, and just doesn't cut it. In less you have a lot of time on your hands, and never kissed a girl in your life.....then you like linux.....other then that........
DBX00 @ Jan 17th 2007 2:54PM
How are video gamers calling linux users names? Reality check...we all fit in the same category as far as women are concerned. My girl hates video games and probably doesn't even know that linux is an operating system.
By the way, the whole point of the different distributions is that you have the option to pick a user friendly version that doesn't require a lot of setup time to get the UI looking sharp. Regardless, the PS3 has a free operating system in YDL and now Debian for people that want the functionality. You guys are always screaming about OPTIONS.
ConstyXIV and alexanderwales
The PS3 hard drive is easily upgraded making a combination of Linux and a 120GB a compelling media entertainment hub / gaming system / computer. The addition of this FREE option doesn't take away from any of the others. Keep in mind, this work is being done by independent developers so Sony resources aren't wasted.
KTallguy @ Jan 17th 2007 3:23PM
Running Emulators on the PS3 = Cool.
Other than that, PS3 interface can do everything I want it to.
FoneBone @ Jan 17th 2007 3:02PM
come on guys.
The OPTION to install Linux, can't be a bad thing. As DBX00 says, you can run emulators on it (snes, nes, gba, ps1 + +). Sony has everything to win by supporting this, though it isn't a killer feature.
And maybe, just maybe, the PS3 get custom firmwares down the road. Just like the PSP. THEN we talk value ; )
droptop GP @ Jan 17th 2007 3:19PM
I've got Linux installed on my toilet and electric toothbrush.
LMAO @ Jan 17th 2007 3:30PM
Once again, a relatively expensive Sony "super-computer" that has very few good games - bought by hackers and gamers alike to play ancient games via emulation - which by the way is already capable on cheap PC rig for FREE. I guess it's a new trend for Sony stuff(PSP now PS3). Odd thing is that you can download PS1 game for the PSP for $5-10, but people want to Nintendo games (Which is also available available for downloads for Wii).
Waiting in line for days and/or overpaying on Ebay to buy the console to be able to run Linux and emulation is beyond me. I guess all the brain power is gone into hacking.
D TRUB @ Jan 17th 2007 3:44PM
"(if it had more than 3 worth playing right now)"
PS3 has 3 good games?
stick_man @ Jan 17th 2007 4:06PM
Linix distro! = Porn Station 3
1080p(orn)... you hear that Mr. internet... get on it!
encelo @ Jan 17th 2007 4:31PM
Just a couple of days ago I wrote a short article on my blog (http://encelo.marsnomercy.org/2007/01/16/why-i-would-have-liked-to-buy-a-ps3/) about the fact that I would have bought a PS3 just for using it as a computer.
It would have been a nice machine for vectorized and heavily parallel tasks, like real-time or renderer graphics, at a reasonable price, but it hit the market too late in my opinion.
About Word's comment number seven I think it is not even worth a reply...
Word @ Jan 17th 2007 4:14PM
Oh my god 1080p porn..........where do I sign?
stick_man @ Jan 17th 2007 4:22PM
just wait till I get back from Mexico with my HD video cam..... Senior Burro Grande here I come.
Jonathan @ Jan 17th 2007 7:11PM
#8 DBX800 - My girlfriend has no interest in PS3, but she plays my DS more than I do. And she invites her friends over to my place to play Wii.
I'm not saying I'm not a nerd, but there are girls out there who dig video games!
randavance @ Jan 17th 2007 4:36PM
First I would like to say Kick Ass! I've always liked Debian over RedHat systems like Fedora, good to see it making its way to the game consol.
As for what to do, well admitably its not a PC, but some of us just like the entertainment. Not to mention the lazyness of having a PC and game system in one. I could definately see myself using it to browse the web, IRC, Instant Messaging (support with all major IM services), editing documents, writing game faqs, playing about with the GIMP, playing emulators of every system known to man, using it to watch movies (not nessasaraly legally), or to use my consol as a personal DJ. Basicly to do anything I would do with a normal computer on a little less RAM, something I'm use to with my computers as it is. If/when I get a PS3 I will be sure to install Debian first thing.
It would actually be fairly slick if something like fluxbox, IceWM, or even Xfce was used as a Window Manager. KDE would be lovely and could run but I would be too impatient. As for GNOME, I tend not to bother.
I would definately like to point out to those of you saying that Linux is a "lame" OS that your a fucking moron. Linux is what companies use to run there servers, GNU/Linux is whats running the search you just did on Google for porn, GNU/Linux is what Goverments use for secure desktops (SE Linux actually). So you can't really diss it now can you. And its stupid to make fun of its GUI when you can make GNU/Linux look how ever you want, and I would know, its a hobby of mine. My session manager swaps me between a simple Xfce, a sexy sleek custom KDE running Vista like transparencies and GUI features far beyond what any Windows can do. I also have one thats made to look identical to Windows XP, why, too entertain myself. I never got into the who look just like Mac OSX but its possable and quite popular. I also have a fluxbox set up for when I wan't something ultra fast and efficient. As for the comment about Linux users never getting the girls, now your just being stupid. Mind you I have to avoid talking about my love for the OS or my hatred for M$ around them, but don't worry, us Linux Nerds get more than enough ass.
PS: The system specs of a machain will never hinder GNU/Linuxs ability to run on it. You may want to use a lighter Window manager, but GNU/Linux is about as compatable as you get when it comes to operating systems.
PPS: The reason I say GNU/Linux is because "Linux" is only the kernal, most of the OS is part of the GNU project.
tack @ Jan 17th 2007 5:07PM
I have something better than linux. Its called windows. yeah, sometimes I have to reboot my computer, but hey, its a small price to pay for it to actually play the games I want, have drivers that work, and programs that run. I know it doesnt hold the uber geek status that linux does, but it works out because I get laid.
Word @ Jan 17th 2007 5:08PM
Randavance.....I don't think you used enough acronyms in your message! Could you perhaps use a little more in your next one?
DrXym @ Jan 17th 2007 5:20PM
Why is Linux relevant for games?
Linux for the PS3 means it is capable of emulating in no particular order - ZX Spectrum, C64, Vic 20, BBC Model B, Atari 400/800, Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, Windows, NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, N64, PS1, PS2, Z-Machine (Infocom games), Scumm (Lucasarts games) and countless arcade systems. That means at present that the PS3 is able to play more Nintendo games than the Wii ever will via VC and real arcade games, not recreations on as found on XBox Live Arcade. Plus Linux has hundreds of games of its own, some of which are pretty good, especially for nothing.
Aside from games, it won't be long before someone knocks together a decent MythTV setup for the PS3, which transforms it into a PVR as well as front end to MAME and other emulators.
All in all, not bad for a system. I know the ability to run Linux is one reason I'd be interested in the PS3. If not for the Wi-fi I think the 20Gb version would be better for hackers simply because you can buy a 120Gb SATA device for less than the difference between the 20Gb & 60Gb models.
Naskar @ Jan 17th 2007 9:52PM
"So is this why IGN chose PS3?"
QFT Trolling, Joystiq. You X360 fanboys
badinsults @ Jan 17th 2007 11:33PM
Yeah, yet another platform for Debian to support, and add more months onto the already delayed release. Wake me up when Ubuntu is available. Or better yet, wake me up when the PS3 costs $300 or less.
mocax @ Jan 17th 2007 11:30PM
I'm sure I can fit a few of those PS3s on a 1U rack to maximize my co-location space.
That's assuming the datacenter can accomodate the amount of heat they give off.
"Website hosted on a PS3!"
CK @ Jan 18th 2007 1:33PM
Meh emulators. PS3 + Linux will play high def media fresh from my favourite torrent tracker on my HDTV without needing a PC in the lounge.
Can 360 do that? Maybe if you've already bought a WinMCE PC and don't mind transcoding your videos when you want to watch them. Hope you enjoyed being bent over by MS. LOL.
The Wii doesn't even rate a mention here. Fanboys can continue to cream themselves over browsing the web at 640x480 if they like though.
Disclaimer: I also own a 360 and a Wii (Zelda FTW). I also know my way around Linux and I can still get laid.
Aldabrit @ Jan 18th 2007 7:03AM
Because Transcoding is a huge deal? Yeah its not ideal but my girlfriend has managed to get her head around it, and quite happily sits there watching films then flicks over to watch tv maybe puts an album on for us whilst we have dinner.
Linux is not a bad thing but look at the demographics Windows xp MCE users can have quite chilled out evenings in with the girlfriend, relaxed easy and simple to incorporate her interests and mine into the living room.
Linux users and PS3? well before they setup server arrays in the living room they appear to be tapping some bandgeek ass....
not saying the PS3 isnt as diverse as the 360 but look at the markets?
laputaquelepario @ Jan 18th 2007 9:51AM
i have a few consoles from past and present (sorry, don't have "future potential ps3 yet), plus a few pcs networked around the house.
i'm typing this on behalf of a friend that doesn't use any form of computer-related technology but still manages to get laid left, right and center.
oh, and while i'm typing this for my friend, two bitches are playing with my titties while another is licking my left one...
Luc @ Apr 14th 2007 9:23PM
Commercially spoken, can someone explain me what you can have as hardware for 600 euros that's better than PS3, to run any OS... Wondering what you guys (super specialists) have to say in this forum on my question. Wondering if I am right or wrong, is it possible that the PS3 might be the best choice price/quality to use as computer besides the fact that it is a gaming console at the base. Unlike some of you might think, the big majority of people do not use computers on this planet. So as step-in model to get to know computers as an average user (not talking about me) don't you think it might be a great choice to start with. Let me know if I am wrong. I read something on an other forum that a PS3 by the end does not run faster than a 800Mhz PIII... any remarks on this topic?? Thank you, Luc