The Open Platform feature is not available on CECH-2000 series or later models of the PS3™ system.
On PS3™ system models sold earlier than the CECH-2000 series models, the Open Platform feature will not be available if the system software is updated to version 3.21 or later.
Installing the boot loader and the Linux operating system
Installation of the Linux operating system on a PS3™ system varies depending on the Linux distribution. This page provides an example of how to install the boot loader and how to begin the Linux installation on the PS3™ system. For additional installation instructions, you must contact the Linux distributor or community that provided your Linux operating system.
Step 1: Obtain the boot loader
The Linux distribution you have selected may include a boot loader on a DVD. If not, you will need to obtain a boot loader from a Linux distribution website.
Currently there are two kinds of boot loaders: “kboot” and “petitboot”. If the file name of the boot loader that you downloaded is "kboot-20080609.bld" or something similar to this name, you must rename it “otheros.bld” (all lowercase characters) so that it will be recognized by the PS3™ system.
Step 2: Prepare the storage or disc media that contains the boot loader
Use a PC to create a folder named "PS3" (all uppercase characters) on the storage or disc media. Next, create a folder named "otheros" (all lowercase characters) within the "PS3" folder.
Save the boot loader file as "otheros.bld" (all lowercase characters) in the "otheros" folder. The storage media can be either a USB flash drive or a CD/DVD. If you are using USB storage media, it must be formatted as a FAT file system. When the storage media is inserted in or connected to a PC that is running Windows, the file name for the folder in the media root directory should be “PS3\otheros\otheros.bld”.
If you are using a PC that is running Mac OS X or Linux, the folder should be named “PS3otheros/otheros.bld”. The boot loader will not be recognized if the folder names and file names are not exactly as specified above.
Step 3: Install the boot loader on the PS3™ system
Insert the USB storage media containing the boot loader in the USB connector on the PS3™ system. If the boot loader is saved on CD or DVD media, insert the disc in the PS3™ system's disc slot. Next, select [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Install Other OS] from the XMB™ menu.The system will search for the boot loader on the storage or disc media.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. If the error message “No applicable installer was found” is displayed, check the folder names and file names in the storage or disc media.
Step 4: Set the PS3™ system to boot from the boot loader
Select [Other OS] in [Settings] > [System Settings] > [Default System] from the XMB™ menu, and then restart the PS3™ system. The system will start using the installed boot loader.
Step 5: Install the Linux operating system
Insert a bootable installation disc for the Linux operating system in the PS3™ system. The initial steps to install Linux may vary depending on the Linux distribution.
For example, for Fedora 10, you will need to type “linux noselinux video=720p” from the command line of the boot loader. Other Linux operating systems may only require pressing the Enter key. If both “linux32”and “linux64” appear on the installation menu, select “linux64” because the PS3™ system can execute only a 64-bit Linux kernel. For additional information on installing Linux, refer to the instructions provided with the distribution, or refer to the website for the associated community.