up vote 2 down vote favorite
1
share [g+] share [fb]

I've got a PS3 sitting around that i don't use much because I

a. don't have time for games b. don't have time for movies (bluray, dvd, and otherwise)

So I'm considering loading some flavor of linux onto it. Besides the gee-whiz-but-does-it-run-linux factor, can anyone suggest any practical uses for doing so?

link|improve this question
68% accept rate
4  
You don't have to throw the baby out with the bathwater, you can still play games and watch movies on a PS3 with Linux on it. – James McMahon Jul 20 '09 at 20:01
feedback

closed as off topic by random♦, Diago Jan 30 '10 at 9:46

Questions on Super User are expected to generally relate to computer software or computer hardware, within the scope defined in the faq.

3 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

About the same as having a pretty crappy computer running linux. Good for getting a hang of the operating system, basically.

If Linux on PS3 would have access to all of the cell processor it might be interesting as a development machine for harnessing the cell processors power. As it is, I can't see a good reason to run Linux on it.

link|improve this answer
2  
Sad but completely true. It is too slow be useful at even basic tasks like web surfing or even light media center stuff. – James McMahon Jul 20 '09 at 20:03
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

You can help with biomedical research via PS3GRID.net by installing Yellow Dog Linux and BOINC.

Folding@home is another biomedical application that simulates protein folding for use in research. It does not require Linux and is likely already installed on your PS3. See the link for more information.

link|improve this answer
4  
You can actually participate in folding@home without needing to install Linux on your PS3. It is available as software for the PS3 os. – James McMahon Jul 20 '09 at 20:04
@nemo: Thanks for the reminder. I've added a link to the info in my answer. Note, though, that the OP asked about Linux. – Dennis Williamson Jul 20 '09 at 20:09
feedback
up vote 0 down vote

Here is student research project with clustering PS3

http://ibm-cvut.felk.cvut.cz/~chcp2009/projekt1/

And look on wikipedia article about Linux on PS3

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_on_the_PlayStation_3

link|improve this answer
feedback

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.