Booting Linux and Installation

© 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
© 2006,2007 Sony Corporation

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This document  illustrates overview of  PS3 Linux boot process and how to install boot loader.

Create Linux Disk Partition

First of all, user needs to initialize built-in HDD. With conventional PC this could be done as part of Linux installation, however with PS3, user need to decide what amount of HDD assign to Linux. Fig. 1 shows it’s concept.

Fig . 1 Disk Partitions

Install Boot Loader

As conventional PC, we need to install a boot loader into PS3 to boot Linux. On the other hand, we need a special program to install a boot loader on special reserved area in PS3 system flash rom. The installer is called as “OtherOS Installer”.

Due to requirements of boot loader on PS3, such as capability of using USB human interface devices, “kboot’ has been utilized as a boot loader for Linux on PS3.

In other words, before staring Linux installation, you need to get customized “kboot” from Linux distributor, respectively. Then you install “kboot” to PS3. Please refer installation manual of Linux distribution, for details.

The customized “kboot” which you installed, may contain corresponding proper installation program for Linux distribution, you choose.

Fig 2. shows overview of Kboot.

Fig 2. Boot Loader

Please find out details of “OtherOS” Flash area in Fig 3. And refer http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/  also, for up to date  information.

Fig. 3 Other OS Flash Area Details

Switch System to Boot

Once you installed “kboot” into PS3. You can switch the environment to be booted with boot selection menu from GameOS. On the other hand, from Linux environment, you also can switch the environment, using "ps3-boot-game-os" command.

Fig. 4 Change Default Boot System

Fig 5 shows details of  the algorithm decides which environment to boot.

Fig 5. Boot Flow Chart with Kboot

Revision History