End of the Road

After trying various different files and download sites, I am sorry to say that I will not be able to complete my project.

After my previous post, I went to the site I thought contained the 'other os' file... it turns out that site no longer existed. This was a major blow, but I still didn't give up. I tried other sites that claimed to have the file I was looking for, but they all turned out to be fake downloads (most just trying to get me to buy various software for my computer). After a whole long weekend of searching, downloading and deleting, I was forced to abandon my project.

I was thinking of purchasing another PS3 with the' other os' feature still enabled, but I was deterred by the slew of people (who claimed to have installed linux onto their PS3's) that told me that the linux software was not worth the hassle of downloading it (especially with a 'other os' PS3 going for upwards of $100).

While I am disappointed that I was unable to install linux onto my PS3, I am happy that the PS3 I bought does still work and came with a few games I plan on playing.

Thanks to everyone who has been following my blog and leaving comments. I'm sorry that I was unable to complete my project, but I hope you enjoyed hearing about my journey and maybe even got something out of it.

Complications...

After receiving my PS3 I was excited to get started, but realized an important element of my PS3 was missing: The Other OS option (picture from creative commons/google images)

The other OS feature was originally to be used to install a different operating system onto the PS3 (in my case, this would have been linux software). The 'other os' option allows me to install kboot (a special PS3 to linux converting tool) which in turn allows me to install ubuntu (the PS3 version of linux). Without this feature I was unable to upload any of the necessary installation files...

BUT, there is good news! After some searching the internet, I was able to find a file that, when installed properly onto the PS3, would create an artificial 'install other os' option. I will admit I am glad that this problem was not as disastrous as it appeared when I first noticed it, but I also realize that my project is going to get a little harder because of it.

Link to creative commons

It's Finally Here!

Over the much needed Spring Break, I bought and received my new PS3. It came in good condition and, most importantly, works. It is now that I have begun looking up the latest versions of the conversion application (as the application has been updated numerous times since the post I based my project off of was written).

Being less technologically savvy than some other people, I am slightly worried about installing the application onto my PS3. However, I trust myself enough to know that I will (eventually) get the new application running on the console.

Biblical Throughlines

While setting up my project, I have been thinking about Biblical Through-lines (aspects of a healthy relationship with God) to attach to my project. Three big Through-lines jumped at me:

Idolatry-Discerning

It may seem very obvious that my project involves a lot of time spent working with coding and other computer tech, but I have to be careful not to allow this to become more important to me than God (i.e. let it become an idol). So, throughout the project, I will have to consistently remind myself that this project is not about distancing myself from God, but finding God's will for me in my/His handiwork.

Beauty-Creating

This project is one of the projects, in my class, that will actually 'produce' a physical product of my work, as such, I will be creating beauty (so to speak). It will, further, require me to add my own little touches to the product, allowing me to appreciate the imagination and innovation that God allowed me to use for this project.

Order-Discovering

During my project, I will be required to find order in the seemingly chaotic world of computer coding. This requires a clear understanding of the order behind it all. While this sort of order is slightly different than, say, finding order in nature, I still think God had a hand in creating all the key components that create computers and their coding, with the rest coming from man understanding and utilizing the order of these components.

The Great Search

Now that I have started my project, I have begun the search for a PS3 that I can convert to a linux computer. Although already owning a perfectly good PS3, I have decided to purchase a new one in case any devastating mistakes occur that damage the PS3 in question (as I would rather not lose all of my logged progress on my home/leisure PS3). So, I have been searching the usual online sites (Ebay, Kijiji and Amazon) as well as flyers for a good deal on a working PS3. So far, I feel I am very close to purchasing one I found at a good deal on Ebay, but this might change...

Starting Out...

Firstly, I would like to tell all of you what my project is all about.
      A few months ago, while browsing the web, I found an interesting article that focused on the idea of turning a PS3 into a fully functioning home computer. After reading the article, and thinking about how cool it would be to own such a hybrid, I decided I would try my hand at creating a PS3/Linux hybrid computer.
      Now to address the legal stuff: as of 2015, this conversion process is completely legal, so long as the equipment is used in a respective manner (no pirating games, no 'hacking' etc.), although this conversion does nullify the PSN accounts, if used, on the converted consoles (purely for legal issues). Although this process nullifies any used PSN account, it is STILL LEGAL.
      My plan, so far, is to a) purchase a new/used PS3 and b) convert it to a linux computer. This plan may change over the course of the project as something 'unexpected' may come up. I also hope to be able to optimize the Linux processing system so that it will be able to also use PC games; a function with very weak capabilities in basic Linux computers (I will, of course, do all of this optimization in a legal manner).
      I will soon make a heading available that lists any sources I use as most (if not, all) of the processes I use for this conversion will come from a source that is not me.
      I expect to post at least once every two weeks, but I expect there will be more posts than my previously stated minimum.
   
      If you have any questions or concerns, I would be happy to address them in the comment section below and will try to answer as best I can.