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Linux for PlayStation 2 is a kit released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2002 that allows the PlayStation 2 console to be used as a personal computer. It included the Linux operating system, a USB keyboard and mouse, a VGA adapter, a Playstation 2 network adaptor (Ethernet only), and a 40 GB hard disk drive (HDD). An 8 MB memory card is required; it must be formatted during installation, erasing all data previously saved on it, though afterwards the remaining space may be used for savegames. It is strongly recommended that a user of PS2 Linux have some basic knowledge of Linux before installing and using it, due to the command-line interface (which needs to be used-- at the very minimum-- to set up the system).
Capabilities
The Linux Kit turns the PlayStation 2 into a full-fledged computer system, but it does not allow for use of the DVD-ROM drive except to read PSone and PS2 discs due to piracy concerns by Sony. Although the HDD included with the Linux Kit is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games, reformatting the HDD with the utility disc provided with the retail HDD enables use with PlayStation 2 games but erases PS2 Linux. The Network Adaptor included with the kit only supports Ethernet; a driver download is available to enable modem support if the retail Network Adaptor (which includes a built-in V.90 modem) is used. The kit supports display on RGB monitors (with sync-on-green) using a VGA cable provided with the Linux Kit, or television sets with the normal cable included with the PlayStation 2 unit.
The PS2 Linux distribution is based on Kondara Linux, a Japanese distribution itself based on Red Hat Linux. PS2 Linux is similar to Red Hat 6, and has most of the features one might expect in a Red Hat 6 system. The stock kernel is 2.2.1, but it can be upgraded to a newer kernel such as 2.2.21, 2.2.26 or 2.4.17.
Open-source applications
The Linux kit's primary purpose is amateur software development, but it can be used as one would use any other computer, although the small amount of memory in the PS2 (32MB) limits its applications. Noted open source software that compiles on the kit includes Mozilla, Mozilla Firefox (although it runs slowly), Mozilla Thunderbird, X-Chat, and Gaim. Light-weight applications better suited to the PS2's 32MB of RAM include xv, Dillo, Ted, and AbiWord. The default window manager is Window Maker, but it is possible to install and use Fluxbox and FVWM. The USB ports of the console can be connected to external devices, such as printers, cameras, flash drives, and CD drives.
With PS2 Linux, a user can program his/her own games that will work under PS2 Linux, but not on an unmodified PlayStation 2. Free open source code for games are available for download from PS2 Linux support sites. There is little difference between PS2 Linux and the Linux software used on the more expensive system ("Tool") used by professional licenced PlayStation game programmers. Some amateur-created games are submitted to a competition such as the Independent Games Festival's annual competition. It is possible for an amateur to sell games or software that he/she develops using PS2 Linux, with certain restrictions detailed in the End User License Agreement. The amateur cannot make and sell game CDs and DVDs, but can sell the game through an online download.
Distribution
As of 2003, this kit is no longer officially sold in the USA due to the entire allocation of NTSC kits being sold out, but it is available through import or through an auction site, such as eBay. Some incorrectly speculate it was used as an attempt to help classify the PS2 as a computer to achieve tax exempt status from certain EU taxes that apply to game consoles and not computers. (It was the Yabasic included with EU units that was intended to do that) Despite this, Sony lost the case in June 2006 The kit was released in the spirit of the earlier, Net Yaroze Playstation and Sony continued their support of hobbyist programmers with the support of Linux on the Playstation 3.
Model compatibility
The original version of the PS2 Linux kit only worked on the Japanese SCPH-10000, SCPH-15000 and SCPH-18000 Playstation 2 models. It came with a PCMCIA interface card which had a 10/100 Ethernet port and an external IDE hard drive enclosure (as there is no room inside the unit). This kit cannot be used with any later model PS2 (which includes all non-Japanese models) because these models removed the PCMCIA port.
Later versions of the PS2 Linux kit use an interface very similar to the HDD interface/ethernet sold later for network play. This kit locates the hard drive internal to the PS2. With this kit, only the SCPH-30000 model of PlayStation 2 is officially supported. The SCPH-50000 PlayStation 2 model will only work with PS2 Linux with an updated network adapter driver, which must be transferred to the PlayStation 2 HDD by using either an older model PlayStation 2 to transfer the driver or a Linux PC with an IDE port. Both methods involve swapping HDDs, and the latter method requires opening the PC's case. The slim SCPH-70000 PlayStation 2 model does not work with PS2 Linux at all, due to the lack of a hard drive interface.
PS2 Linux install DVDs are region encoded, as are all other PS2 game discs. A European/PAL disc will be rejected by a U.S. PlayStation 2 game system.
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