Linux on the XBOX is almost here

~~David~~ · Jul 31, 2002, 09:50 AM

A group of programmers seeking to put Linux on Microsoft's Xbox video gaming console has created the software that will eventually replace the machine's built-in system software. The new software, called a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), is the latest step towards turning the $199 console into a Linux workstation.
The Xbox Linux Project, drawing on the skills of programmers in the UK, Germany and the United States, released a pre-alpha version of the new BIOS on Sunday. When complete, the BIOS will give programmers control over the Xbox's components and peripherals and allow the rest of the Linux operating system to boot.

The replacement BIOS is intended to act as a template for future development, initializing the hardware's peripherals and performs a process designed to give full and stable control of the machine.

Read the full story HERE

~~Sourcer_2002~~ · Jul 31, 2002, 10:04 AM

I bet MS is happy about that

***craig5320*** · Jul 31, 2002, 11:49 AM

Bill will be ecstatic I'm sure. whose has the money to buy an X-Box then make it into a Linux box? I'd sure have a better go using it as a console. But bravo to the d00ds. hehe

FatalDog187 · Jul 31, 2002, 12:21 PM

This is going to be used to produce selfbooting backups for xbox with no modchip. You just gotta modify the boot to skip the check for legitimate copies. I'll be getting an XboX for sure now.

Yeti · Jul 31, 2002, 12:59 PM

You realize that once they *fix* the BIOS... the XBOX will be revealed to be what it truly is... a cheap computer. But on the plus side you will be able to run Quake III and all the other great PC games on it.

Arson · Aug 1, 2002, 10:15 PM

If you want to see someone who truly knows alot about the xbox, probably more than anyone outside of the microsoft loop look here:

http://www.xenatera.com/bunnie/

Too bad MS has forbidden him to talk about everything he found out.

nForcer · Aug 2, 2002, 08:52 PM

Just proves there's not a damn electronic thing out there that can't be manipulated in ways we didn't think possible before.

Who'd thought we'd be running a PC OS on a game console? Well, its here. I kow Sega could care less about their Dreamcast game console emulating a PC, but I'm sure Microsoft will find some legal course of action. Not like they can do very much, but hey, they got the money to waste... LET EM!

...course they could waste a bit of it MY way, ya know!

Jul 31, 2002, 09:50 AM	#1
~~David~~ Banned Join Date: May 2002 Location: Atlanta Posts: 959 Rep Power: 0	Linux on the XBOX is almost here A group of programmers seeking to put Linux on Microsoft's Xbox video gaming console has created the software that will eventually replace the machine's built-in system software. The new software, called a Basic Input Output System (BIOS), is the latest step towards turning the $199 console into a Linux workstation. The Xbox Linux Project, drawing on the skills of programmers in the UK, Germany and the United States, released a pre-alpha version of the new BIOS on Sunday. When complete, the BIOS will give programmers control over the Xbox's components and peripherals and allow the rest of the Linux operating system to boot. The replacement BIOS is intended to act as a template for future development, initializing the hardware's peripherals and performs a process designed to give full and stable control of the machine. Read the full story HERE

Jul 31, 2002, 11:49 AM	#3
*craig5320* HH Administrator Join Date: May 2002 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 8,578 Rep Power: 445 System Specs	Bill will be ecstatic I'm sure. whose has the money to buy an X-Box then make it into a Linux box? I'd sure have a better go using it as a console. But bravo to the d00ds. hehe __________________ HardwareHeaven on Facebook

Jul 31, 2002, 12:59 PM	#5
Yeti DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 662 Rep Power: 0	Lol You realize that once they fix the BIOS... the XBOX will be revealed to be what it truly is... a cheap computer. But on the plus side you will be able to run Quake III and all the other great PC games on it. __________________ --Oh lord not again

Jul 31, 2002, 10:04 AM	#2
~~Sourcer_2002~~ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indiana , USA Posts: 2,677 Rep Power: 0	I bet MS is happy about that

Jul 31, 2002, 12:21 PM	#4
FatalDog187 Messenger Friend Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 80 Rep Power: 0	This is going to be used to produce selfbooting backups for xbox with no modchip. You just gotta modify the boot to skip the check for legitimate copies. I'll be getting an XboX for sure now.

Aug 1, 2002, 10:15 PM	#6
Arson DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	If you want to see someone who truly knows alot about the xbox, probably more than anyone outside of the microsoft loop look here: http://www.xenatera.com/bunnie/ Too bad MS has forbidden him to talk about everything he found out.

Aug 2, 2002, 08:52 PM	#7
nForcer Twice the fun! Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,404 Rep Power: 0	Just proves there's not a damn electronic thing out there that can't be manipulated in ways we didn't think possible before. Who'd thought we'd be running a PC OS on a game console? Well, its here. I kow Sega could care less about their Dreamcast game console emulating a PC, but I'm sure Microsoft will find some legal course of action. Not like they can do very much, but hey, they got the money to waste... LET EM! ...course they could waste a bit of it MY way, ya know!