Linux on PS2 with USB flash drive

[cameronw]

I would like to run a scaled down linux system on a PS2 with a USB flash drive. I don't want to purchase the PS2 Linux kit as I want to customize Ubuntu to run on it. Does anyone know if this is possible for the PS2 to boot just like off a Linux USB drive. I know it will need to be mod-chipped or the BIOS flashed (preferred) to get Linux to boot instead of PS2 software. Any help would be great.

Oh and I'm attempting to get UT2004 running on the PS2. which is why I want Linux to boot.

[Rhubarb]

I haven't had any experience with linux on ps2 systems, but after having a brief look at the technical specs of the unit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2#Technical_specifications
It has only got 32MB of RAM and 4MB of video memory.
- Which isn't exactly that much, it would be more suited to running DSL (damn small linux) or similar cut down distribution. I don't like your chances of getting UT2004 to run with the extremely limited resources the PS2 offers.

UT2004 requirements:
http://unreal.freakygaming.com/pc/action/unreal_tournament_2004/system_requirements

[cameronw]

Yea I knew the PS2's specs might be a problem and I didn't actually realise it only had 4mb video memory. I'll have a search around for the bare minimum specs for running DSL cos that might just do the job.

[Ferrat]

There has been a misunderstanding about the VideoRAM on the PS2. The VRAM is included in the 32MB of main RAM on the CPU (the developer chooses how much of it he wants to dedicate to VRAM). Everyone thought the 4MB of memory on the GS was the VRAM while that is just a buffer in which all the rendering is done so no external bandwidth is needed (only for texture streaming).

A very slim version might work but I wouldn't go with gnome for ex. ^^

[cameronw]

I'm thinking Window Maker or one of those Flubox type environments.