There are many versions of Linux which people can use, although this guide will focus on the one that Sony themselves are said to recommend which is known as Yellow Dog Linux. The process itself is not too complicated although you will need a USB mouse and keyboard plus enough hard disk space to install Linux on.

The version of Linux that we are using in this guide is version 6.0 which is available FREE from www.terrasoftsolutions.com, and the mirror that we found to be the best was the very first primary one on the list from the United states. Follow the instructions on that page to download and burn Linux onto onto a DVD.

*WARNING*

Before going any further with the installation of Linux, make sure that you have fully backed up any data from the hard disk in your PS3 that you want to keep, such as game saves or music and pictures. These can be backed up using a USB pen drive or external hard disk if the files are large.

The main reason for doing this is due to the hard disk in your ps3 has to be split into two sections to allow Linux to run from one of them completely separate from the gaming part of your system. This is known as a partition and in order for your PS3 to accomplish this it will have to erase all data on your internal hard disk.

Once this is done, using the XMB, go to:

Step one: SYSTEM > FORMAT DRIVE > PS3 HDD

Step two: ALLOT 10GB TO OTHER OPERATING SYSTEM

Step three: YOUR PS3 WILL RESTART, LOG IN AND INSERT LINUX DVD INTO DRIVE.

Step four: CLICK ON ‘OTHEROS.BLD’ TO INSTALL.

Step five: DEFAULT SYSTEM > OTHER OS

The PS3 will now always boot up in the other operating system, although there is a simple trick if you want to get back into the XMB. When your PS3 is turned off just hold down the power button for a few seconds and you should hear 2 beeps which means that it will reset into the XMB with default resolution.

The installation of Linux from here on is straight forward as you are given prompts of what to do and when to do it by the installation process as it progresses, and once this has all finished you will be able to re-intall all of your backed up data.

Yellow Dog Linux itself is a good thing to have although its applications in the real world are quite restricted unless you know how to get the most out of it. There are many guides on the internet explaining how to do this, however these concepts are too complicated for the scope of this simple guide.

With the advances in the PS3 software, many video types can now be played and nearly all music and picture formats are also available.

So what do you need?

A nice big external hard drive (in theory any size up to around 2000 Gb is possible) although most people will opt for something between 250 and 500 Gb.

Let’s sort it out!

The perfect external HD for the PS3 is the fantastic 500Gb Seagate.
It has a sleek black outer casing, and a super fast 7200 rpm drive for quick file access.
(Available for only £79.99)
Or 750Gb for £89.99

Next up we need to format your drive so that the PS3 will recognise it. We need to format the hard drive to utilise the FAT32 file system. First problem is that we can’t do this using the normal Windows format facility. Windows can only format FAT32 drives up to 32Gb.

You will need to download a program such as Swissknife (Download from here). This is a free download and can format your massive external hard drive in the FAT32 file system.

When you have formatted your external drive you will need to create 4 folders so that the PS3 can recognise where you put your files.

Name these four folders:

Photo
Video
Music
Game

You can then fill these folders with your pictures, videos and music – make sure you put the files in the right folder and then after you have disconnected the drive from your PC it’s time to hook it up to your PS3.

Enjoy!

Things you will need

1. Larger SATA notebook (2.5″) hard drive (hd), 5400rpm or 7400rpm.

We chose a 5400rpm model for temperature considerations.  Also there are two types of SATA drive – SATA-150 and SATA-300 (differences are the data transmission speeds – either 1.5Gb/sec or 3Gb/sec.  The PS3 supports 1.5Gb/sec only so no need to pay any extra for SATA-300 as these will not run at maximum speed.

2. (optional if you need to back up your PS3 hard drive first) External HD or large USB drive formatted to FAT32 to backup your PS3 downloads or anything on the oem hd.

32gb is the larger FAT32 partition for Windows XP. So if you fill up the 60gb ps3 drive you can’t back up the whole drive.

Maybe a larger partition can be made on a MacOS but we’re not familiar.

3. A ph1 or ph2 sized phillips screwdriver to avoid stripping the hard drive screws.

Be very careful because the screws maybe over torqued and are soft.

What you have to do to upgrade your Hard Drive
(The next three steps are optional if you want to backup what is already on your hard drive).

1. Connect the external hd or usb drive by usb to the ps3. Turn on the external hd.
2. Turn on the ps3.
3. Backup the ps3 data. (optional)

On the ps3 xmb

Settings – System Settings – Backup Utility – Backup

The duration of this process will depend on the amount of data on the ps3.

4. Turn off the ps3 and unplug all cables from the rear.
5. On the right hand side of the ps3 you will see a plastic tab with an HDD sticker. Remove this from the right edge with a thin lever.
6. Discharge static electricity from your body. Unscrew the blue screw in the middle.
7. Lift the tab and push the hd to the right. Now you can pull out the ps3 hd.
8. Remove all four (4) screws that hold the oem SATA hd to the hard drive carrier.
9. Install your new hd with the label facing up, and the ports are exposed by using the four (4) screws.
10. Insert the hd, and hard drive carrier to the right of the ps3 hard drive port using the tab.
11. Slide the hd to the left with the tab. You will feel the SATA and power connectors engage.
12. Flip tab down and secure the hd with the blue screw.
13. Reinstall the plastic hd port cover.
14. Turn on the ps3 and it will recognize that it’s a new hd.
15. Format the hd.
16. A reboot of the ps3 will be required.
17. Most of your settings will be restored.
18. Restore the ps3 data. (optional)

On the ps3 xmb

Settings – System Settings – Backup Utility – Restore

The duration of this process will depend on the amount of data on the external hd.

19. A reboot will need to be performed.
20. PS3 hard drive upgrade completed. (Well done – crack open a beer!)

(You can get a Fujitsu 250Gb internal PS3 compatible hard drive for only £56 here)

Video Guide (3 mins)