Why install Ubuntu on PS3 or PS2?

[kpkeerthi]

I have never used any gaming consoles in my life so please pardon me for asking such a dumb question. All I understand is that PS3 is used to play console games (in HD display & surround audio and such). But I see people installing ubuntu (or other OS) on it. Why do that?

[Daveski]

All I understand is that PS3 is used to play console games (in HD display & surround audio and such). But I see people installing ubuntu (or other OS) on it. Why do that?

Because they can.

Don't be surprised to find Linux being installed on a toaster- it's all part of the fun. Sony wanted both the PS2 and PS3 to be operational as a 'Computer' rather than a 'Games Console' as there is less tax on a multi-purpose computing device than a games machine (in the UK anyway).

[kpkeerthi]

So with Ubuntu + PS3, one can browse online, watch vidoes, listen to music, create documents and play console game?

[Daveski]

I believe so. Also email, etc. etc.

[Ciego]

You can do anything that you would normally do on your PC.

[EdThaSlayer]

People just do that to look cool.
Personally I would rather use a modern computer than some console for all my computing needs.

[weasel fierce]

because loading up your ps3 and playing some emulated 8 bit nintendo games would be a blast

[MrHorus]

So with Ubuntu + PS3, one can browse online, watch vidoes, listen to music, create documents and play console game?

No.

You can do anything you can do in Linux but you won't be able to play Playstation games as you have Linux booted as the operating system, not the Sony supplied one that is capable of playing games.

With my xbox for example I have changed the dashboard but not the underlying operating system so when it boots, the dashboard is a fully-fledged media centre but I can still put in a game and play it without needing to reboot.

[slayerboy]

I would much rather have a thin client setup with a tv hooked to it than a console. I can understand if you no longer use the console to play games that it might be fun, but consoles are for games. I don't even watch DVD's on my PS2 because I found that the PS2 doesn't play some DVD's that a $30 DVD player from walmart will play just fine, not to mention better sound (more level).

I do like the concept of the Wii being able to surf the net. Now, all I need that to do is connect to a music server, which connecting to the net using Opera should be able to connect to something like slimserver over the net and play fine. I don't have the Wii yet so I'm not sure how this would work though.

[slimdog360]

people install it on their playstations because they are the 1337 HaX0Rs