[Tuoder]

It is appears that Yellow Dog Linux will be available for the PS3.

PowerPC Linux for Desktop, Workstation, Server, and HPC Clusters.

This makes the PS3 a full-fledged computer. I have heard speculation that the Cell chip will be used as a new computing platform. I have heard that it is a stab at Intel, Microsoft, and Apple. This is crazy stuff, in my thinking. Wasn't Microsoft mad about linux on the xbox? I mean ti makes sense, as they take a hit on the xbox, and they don't cash for the OS. Why would Terra Soft and Sony do this? Will the Cell be a server platform?

[vmarks]

Sony had a limited distribution of linux for the PS2.

It's entirely possible that they're using linux for the ps3 because sony is getting mildly more linux friendly in other areas: mylo is a linux based sony product.

PS3 is meant to use PSP as a controller and remote/ancillary screen down the line. Linux makes that eminently possible with not much pain.

It also means that the PS3 is justifiable as a purchase for a computer, as you say- one suitable for not crashing (much) not getting viruses or worms (much - there are a handful for linux) and being easy to deal with as a web appliance. Why buy a large desktop when you can use this as a email machine for grandma and a game machine for the grandkids, and a movie player when the parents want to watch?

Talk about addressing a wide range of people...

That YellowDog is supplying it is nice.

[Eug]

Yeah, posted in the console thread.

[Salty]

That's kinda cool. Who knows someday the PS3 might be worth the insane amount of money sony's throwing at it.