Xbox Linux 0.1 available for download

By Linux Devices
2002-08-18

Article Rating:

/ 2

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

The Internet -- (press release excerpt) -- Today the Xbox Linux project announced that it had succeeded in fully booting Linux on the Microsoft Xbox Gaming System ("Really. No video, but telnet and http"). The free operating system Linux is able to be booted either from flash memory, or (more easily) from a CD inserted into the machine.

(The Xbox still needs to have a modchip fitted to allow it to run unsigned code; however these are widely available and start from $30).

This is a landmark in the struggle for control of the Xbox, which features PC-like hardware, an Intel CPU, a standard hard disk drive and DVD drive. Microsoft had been counting on the purchasers of the Xbox remaining passive consumers of paid-for content, and they additionally plan to market a paid-for walled community ISP service for the boxes later this year, known as 'Xbox Live'. However with the first release of Xbox Linux, consumers will soon have a choice to connect to the normal Internet, using normal browsers, and run any Linux programs for free. They will also be able to play any audio (e.g. MP3) and video content they choose without restrictions.

In the first release Linux boots into a network-enabled state, running a web server and telnet, which allows you to log into the box from another machine. Although there is no audio or video output and input device connectivity yet, users have full control on the Xbox through the network, an Xbox with Linux can already be used as a network server, and by developers to add more features to Linux on the Xbox.

Future releases of Xbox Linux are planned to fully support all Xbox hardware (video, audio), as well as standard keyboards, mice, webcams etc., so that it can be used just as an ordinary computer, but at a significantly lower price. The Operating System is made available under terms known as the GNU GPL, which mean that the software may be copied freely at no charge.

Related stories:

	Discuss Xbox Linux 0.1 available for download

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More News Articles >>> More By Linux Devices

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.