Installing Linux on a microsoft xbox 360

Well I think I have a new project and was wondering about the legalities of this(not that it will stop me I just will not post here I respect this site more than any other) I was going to install linux on a partition today(still am) but I found a way to install linux on my xbox and turn it onto a media center that can do almost everything my pc can!(and gosh it sounds like fun)

The xbox already contains the following
Intel Celeron 733 MHz CPU
64 MB of RAM (enough for most Linux applications - if you need more, it can be upgraded, but extensive soldering is involved)
nVidia GeForce 3 graphics card (on most versions)
Dolby Digital AC97 sound card
8 or 10 GB hard disk
DVD drive
10/100 EtherNet port
4 USB ports (cleverly disguised as custom joystick ports)

Oh I'm sorry I'll stop until I get permission

I am wondering if anyone has done this yet

 

Why would you want to do this to something that is so new ?

It has the same spec as a pc you could buy for £50 plus i might be wrong but when you start playing around with xbox hard drives it stops you from playing online (not certain).

Loads of kids will want xbox 360's for xmas and they are ltd supply turning one into a really low spc pc is a bit silly if you ask me.

 

I tend to do silly things and from what I'm reading it dosen't stop you from playing games online. That said, the xbox is a present for my little brother and he also wanted a pc this is a compromize that I can get done before christmas. You are right though I don't want to mess it up if it can't be done safely I will not do it. I just thought that,if it could be done without to much of a hassle it would be alot of fun.

 

I remember if you swaped the hard drive on the original it would stop you but this is obviously a different animal.

I would be cool if it worked but if you did screw it up can you afford a new one ?

 

There were ways to do this with the original Xbox, but it required that you purchase and install a "modchip". You seem to be describing the original xbox (and not the 360 - which I'm uncertain about) here, so I hope this is relevant.

As I've attempted one of these customizations, I can tell you that it is NOT easy with a chip that requires soldering. Unless you are, or know a professional electronic soldererererererere....I would recommend that you get a solderless chip. You might want to visit www.xboxhackz.com Its a pretty good resource on the subject. As for playing online, it DOES mess it up, but the modchip comes with a switch, so that you can revert back to normal settings.

 

It is not that I could not afford a new one, it would be a waste. I found this on a linux site http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page check it out let me know what you think.

that's a mouthful

No this is on the new xbox I wouldn't crack this open it seems to be easier than the od one and I have a mod chipx2 chech out the link above and give feedback it would definately help in my decision

 

Heh, it is a waste. My buddy and I did botch the install of a soldered chip, and ruined a nice xbox mobo. A solderless chip would have prevented this mistake. They just screw into place....they're quite a bit more pricy, though, but not enough to justify a lost mobo.

 

It looks to me like they are describing the original xbox you have the 360 you have to be careful.

I'm not trying to bring you down it would be cool i just dont want you to blow up your little bros xmas present for the sake of buying a cheap old computer.

 

You are right about that I'll check it out again. I'm sorry wrong link this is the one http://www.free60.org/wiki/Main_Page

 

Yeah, this throws me off. These look like the specs of the original xbox. Xbox 360 has wireless controllers, no? Why would it need 4 USB ports (cleverly disguised as custom joystick ports)?

Your link isn't being very nice to me, so I can't say much about that. I wouldn't place much confidence in the ability to mod a 360. It hasn't been out on the market long enough.

Ugh, you're too fast for me. I'll check the new link.

 

I definatly should of researched this more you are correct(both of you) this is still in it's beginning stages and from what I've seen it might not be possible. Oh well it would have been fun.

posterchild for advanced ADHD medications

 

No probs.

May i say what a great bro you are that is a huge present he is lucky to have you.

 

Heh, I wouldn't say that its not possible though, either. Although Microsoft has probably learnt alot from the hacking of the original xbox, there will STILL be a backdoor in the 360. Just give it some time, and I'm willing to wager there will be hacks for it, too.

For now though, I would just hope that there's no major manfacturer's defects (I've heard alot fo complaints already), but that might be alot to expect from MS.

 

You know what that to me is a great compliment. He deserves it, he's an honor role student and still has time to get into trouble(just like his big bro) good kid it's hard to try and be a role model to kids especially once they're teenagers and he realy looks up to me, you realy got to stay on your toes and never break promises, I told him if he stays on the honor role he'd have one for christmas, I almost kicked myself though when I was standing outside at mignight!

 

A man is only as good as his word


I was gonna get my bro a nintendo ds for xmas then i found out he mugged a kid for his nikes at school he isnt getting one now.

 

You know what they've alreadyhad some pretty serious bugs I wouldn't doubt more. I'll keep checking that link though sounds pretty cool anyway.

 

LOL that's some funny s@#t

 

So now my ghetto family is a source of amusment? great

 

Don't do it. Your brother and your parents will all kill you if things go wrong. The first run of any of these game boxes are essentially beta units.

Anyways, if you can afford to replace the '360 w/HD, you could buy a new Dell or Gateway box machine or a used computer just as easy.

 

You got a point I'm going to rebuild a rig I got in my closet so he has it for school I did a little more research and it dosen't look like it will be possible any time soon anyway like I said it would have been fun I am going to use the mod chip I got on my old x-box.

 

Try installing damn small linux on the old xbox that could be fun