Next PS3 firmware upgrade disables ability to boot Linux

Forums › Gaming › Next PS3 firmware upgrade disables ability to boot Linux - does that bother you?

lchiu7

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#59420 5-Apr-2010 19:54

I see the 3.21 firmware just released by Sony disables the ability for the Fat PS3 to boot Linux anymore. You can skip this update but then the PSN stops working and it's likely that future games might not work.

I have a US PS3 (60G) original. I have never booted up Linux nor even thought about it but this just rankles me since after I apply the update, that choice will be gone.

How do others feel about this? It's been done allegedly to increase security because some guy managed to hack the PS3 through 5% hardware (taking it apart) and 95% software.

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#315082 5-Apr-2010 20:03

There's already a topic started in Off Topic (not the right place to begin with, so a Mod could offer to move it from there into Gaming topic).

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=48&topicid=59349

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chiefie

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#315084 5-Apr-2010 20:06

As for the removal of Install Other OS? I don't feel that I've lose anything (since I've ever had PS3 Slim to begin with) and IF I do have PS3 Phat, and not have used its ability to install Linux on PS3. Seeing that the update removed this function, I won't be missing it. I'd probably be annoyed if I had Linux installed and found that it is inaccessible after the update, that would be different scenario.

So as a whole, if you haven't had the need to install it in the early stage, then you probably won't see the light of doing so and with it removed, it isn't really a concern or a factor. You just don't get given the choice.

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clevedon

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#315183 6-Apr-2010 07:33

I did the update, doesn't worry me at all. We only use PS3 for gaming and storing a few videos and photos, so no problem for us.

bazzer

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#315268 6-Apr-2010 11:32

As I said in the other thread, it bothers me even though I haven't used it. I formatted my hard drive to partition 10GB (or whatever it is) for Other OS use and now I can't use it easily. Even though I haven't used Linux on it so far, I always thought I might get around to trying it sometime... Now I can't.

lchiu7

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#315281 6-Apr-2010 12:13

Well you can if you don't apply the firmware update. Then I have seen ways (which I haven't tried) of still being able to get access to the PSN without the new firmware.

Like yourself I have never booted Linux but having it taken away removes all options.

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bazzer

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#315313 6-Apr-2010 13:43

I dont see that as a feasible option. Eventually, some game will require a particular firmware version which I can not fake, or I'll want to make use of some additional functionality that a firmware update introduces. I shouldn't have to choose between the two.

NonprayingMantis

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#315358 6-Apr-2010 15:30

no problem for me.
I have no interest in using Linux on my PS3.

could soembody explain why i might want to load Linux on my PS3? (other than for sh1ts and giggles)

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rugrat

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#315434 6-Apr-2010 18:22

I loaded yellow dog. Was unable to get anything working on it though, couldn't work out how to install programs, wish I'd put one called something like ubundu? on it as it looked easier to use. I backed everything up, did format all for ps3, loaded backup then did firmware update, didn't want to risk losing 10 gigs of drive space for no reason. Not overly concerned about loss, main thing ps3 for is fun.

vinnieg

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#316585 9-Apr-2010 15:25

Not fussed, it's a gaming and media console for me, don't need yet another "PC" clogging up my place, already have 4 for 2 people :)

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stuzzo

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#316591 9-Apr-2010 15:38

Bit of a worrying precedent to set though, that a manufacturer can remove a feature of your device at a whim.

vinnieg

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#316599 9-Apr-2010 15:47

stuzzo: Bit of a worrying precedent to set though, that a manufacturer can remove a feature of your device at a whim.

Yeah it is worrying, very Appleish in that respect, sort of like the "You don't own your hardware" sort of thing. until that day happen though I'll be happily gaming away :) then will RAGE

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tstone

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#316643 9-Apr-2010 18:42

clevedon: I did the update, doesn't worry me at all. We only use PS3 for gaming and storing a few videos and photos, so no problem for us.

+1 for me. Not the slightest concerned.

andrewcnz

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#316674 9-Apr-2010 21:02

clevedon: I did the update, doesn't worry me at all. We only use PS3 for gaming and storing a few videos and photos, so no problem for us.

stuzzo

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#316945 11-Apr-2010 08:53

Fair bit of anger brewing over this one overseas. Playstations blog announcing the update has nearly 7000 replies.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-v3-21-update/#comments

Also seems likely that it could be a breach of EU consumer laws (and ,if so, likely our own) with one documented refund to a Amazon EU customer.

http://www.playstationuniversity.com/ps3-owner-refunded-without-return-for-missing-other-os-3555/

friedCrumpet

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#316948 11-Apr-2010 09:13

I'm pretty sure that under the CGA we should be entitled to compensation from Sony. As to how much, that's an unknown.

It would certainly be worth getting a group of people together who care about this to collectively work on getting a refund from Sony.

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