Update - an abbreviated guide to installing Fedora Core 5 on a PS3:
edit - The bootloader is available now too! So we have all the pieces (I think). You should now be able to install Fedora Core 5 (at least) on your PS3 (see further down the thread for full instructions).
PS3 Linux add-on cd with bootloader (kboot):
ftp://ftp.uk.linux.org/pub/linux/Sony-PS3/
Sony's Open Platform for PLAYSTATION®3 website has updated with configuration details for installing another OS on your PS3.
Here's the instructions:
http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/manual.html
Basically you download the installer from that website and save it to a USB key or HDD, or CD or DVD or BD or memory stick etc. (basically any storage PS3 will recognise can be used). You have to create a folder called 'PS3' at the top level of your storage, then a subfolder called 'otheros', and place the installer in there. You place the third party bootloader for your OS in the same location (must be named 'otheros.bld'). Then just connect your storage to your PS3 and run the 'Install Other OS' utility - it will scan for the installer, and display its location. Just select that, and it will start the installation process for your OS.
Currently the site doesn't point to any third party OSes, and notes that they'll be distributed completely independently of Sony. There's a FAQ in there too.
On a related Open Platform note, PowerDeveloper.org updated its PS3 page to note that a Gentoo overlay for PS3 is in the works. Luca Barbato is looking for someone with a PS3 to test out a Gentoo image for him
http://planet.gentoo.org/developers/lu_zero/2006/11/11/playstation_3
Preparation:
1) Download and burn Fedora Core 5 to a DVD
2) Download and burn the PS3 Linux Add-On Packages CD
3) Using a USB stick (or other storage option, like CD/DVD/BD etc.) create a folder at the top level called 'PS3'. Within that folder create a new sub-folder called 'otheros'. In that folder you need to put to files:
otheros.bld (bootloader - found on the Add-on Packages CD in the 'kboot' folder)
otheros.self (Sony's "Other OS Installer")
4) Create a Linux partition on your PS3 (via the XMB format utility)
5) Connect the USB or other storage from 3) to your PS3.
6) Start the "Install Other OS" Utility. It will scan for the otheros.self file, and when it has found it, will display its location. Select that and it will install the bootloader.
7) Set the default OS to be "Other OS" in the XMB system settings.
8) Reboot the machine. It will now automatically boot the bootloader from which you can install your OS.
Installing Fedora Core 5:
The bootloader will have a command prompt. To install type the following command:
install-fc sda
It will prompt you to insert the Fedora Core 5 DVD. Put it in if you haven't already, and hit 'y'.
It will then ask you if you want a minimum or full install, enter your preferred option. It will warn you that data on the linux partition will be erased - just hit 'y' to continue.
When finished, the DVD will eject. It will then prompt you to enter the Add-on Packages CD. Just pop it in and hit 'y'. It will eject to finish, and that's the installation complete. Just enter 'reboot' to start Linux or 'halt' to turn off the machine.
edit - The bootloader is available now too! So we have all the pieces (I think). You should now be able to install Fedora Core 5 (at least) on your PS3 (see further down the thread for full instructions).
PS3 Linux add-on cd with bootloader (kboot):
ftp://ftp.uk.linux.org/pub/linux/Sony-PS3/
Sony's Open Platform for PLAYSTATION®3 website has updated with configuration details for installing another OS on your PS3.
Here's the instructions:
http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/manual.html
Basically you download the installer from that website and save it to a USB key or HDD, or CD or DVD or BD or memory stick etc. (basically any storage PS3 will recognise can be used). You have to create a folder called 'PS3' at the top level of your storage, then a subfolder called 'otheros', and place the installer in there. You place the third party bootloader for your OS in the same location (must be named 'otheros.bld'). Then just connect your storage to your PS3 and run the 'Install Other OS' utility - it will scan for the installer, and display its location. Just select that, and it will start the installation process for your OS.
Currently the site doesn't point to any third party OSes, and notes that they'll be distributed completely independently of Sony. There's a FAQ in there too.
On a related Open Platform note, PowerDeveloper.org updated its PS3 page to note that a Gentoo overlay for PS3 is in the works. Luca Barbato is looking for someone with a PS3 to test out a Gentoo image for him
http://planet.gentoo.org/developers/lu_zero/2006/11/11/playstation_3