PS3 3.21 update will remove Linux support

NewsPosted 29/03/2010 - 9:35am GMT+1

Will disable option to install other OS for security reasons.

Once you update your PS3 with the upcoming 3.21 system software update, you'll no longer be able to install an 'other operating system'. While this won't be a huge shock to most people, anyone who has an older bulky PS3 has this unusual option. Not for long, though, as the update removes the functionality due to security concerns.

"The next system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will be released on April 1, 2010 (JST), and will disable the 'Install Other OS' feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models, launched in September 2009. This feature enabled users to install an operating system, but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update," said Sony’s Patrick Seybold on the PlayStation Blog.

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User Comments

elvis

So much for the ps3 being used as a supercomputer in clusters then? or do all these education departments that use the game run a game image across the whole cluster?

I never did try anything to do with yellow dog (flavour of linux on PS3 if memory serves correct) but this seems like overkill to patch a potential hole.

Posted 19:41 on 29 March 2010

SexyJams

I never used it anyway so I'm a bit meh about the whole thing.
I used to love Burnt Face Man :p
Salad Fingers was messed up though :p

Posted 18:49 on 29 March 2010

Neon-Soldier32

I thought like the police or some authority was using this function to 'fight crime' or something.

Maybe something like this:YouTube Video

Posted 18:40 on 29 March 2010

dudester

I think it was inevitable really when the functionality was removed from the slim that one day it would get closed off completely.

Posted 18:29 on 29 March 2010

Karlius @ Woffls

I agree Woffls couldn't put it better myself. However its a similar predicament MS found themselves in with the memory cards and the mass culling of modded consoles.

There are a few that will use the functionality for bad and unfortunately Sony have to react to protect their investment. I understand the jail broken PS3 uses the LINUX OS. Maybe a more informed reaction would be to block certain functionality and not a blanket ban. Its bad for business but maybe a needed evil.

Posted 18:27 on 29 March 2010

Woffls

There will be some people who are INCREDIBLY pissed off about this. Sony made a massive point of PS3 supporting open source, and now the feature has just been taken away from people who may have bought a console for just that purpose.

It also sucks for people hoping that the number of Linux distributions that support PPC architecture would remain stable thanks to PS3.

Posted 17:50 on 29 March 2010

cjb_bjc

The really sad thing about this is, if this is the way to get into the PS3 the hackers will find the way to open this up anyway. Therfore Sony are just ruining the experiencing for anyone wanting to use Linux for normal purposes. Cant see how this will be difficult to overturn if its a simple software patch

Posted 14:05 on 29 March 2010

Clockpunk

That would be my guess as well - not that the Linux capability was the exploited part, apparently, from a few weeks back - but yes, such a crippling of what many argue to be a strong point must be related to an exploit.

Posted 13:56 on 29 March 2010

Yup its a pre empt to stop ps3 being hacked open and pirated.

Posted 13:51 on 29 March 2010