Bootable Xbox Linux?

MDE

Lifer
Jul 17, 2003
13,199
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I'm doing a school project\presentation on Linux in consumer electronics such as phones, PDAs, TiVo, and the select few that run Linux on their Xboxes. Normally I'd mod the Xbox and have fun with it but I don't want to muck anything up that may get me banned from Xbox Live for the 10 months left on my account. Is there a bootable CD\DVD that I can use to get Linux running on the Xbox and maybe open a couple applications as something to cap off the presentation?
 

drag

Elite Member
Jul 4, 2002
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That's pretty sad that you have to worry about being banned for installing Linux on a Xbox, even if you have to mod it. I don't know why people put up with that crap, but whatever.

There are some ways to boot Linux off of the Xbox without installing mod chips, but all of them do things that Microsoft would disprove of and they instituted updates that attempt to stop people from enjoying their Xbox for something other then is approved for by MS.

One way would be to rent certain games and use a hacked version of their saved game to break past the protections in the BIOS and add the capabilities to boot a Linux cdrom. But those games were "fixed" by rereleasing them under "gold editions" or some such thing for the most part, also newer xboxs have better bios protections.

here is the website for all the information, there is probably still ways to install Linux and not risk violating your privilage to hand over money to play online.

(sorry I am in a fairly bad mood, got a dentist appointment I am dreading today.)
 

MDE

Lifer
Jul 17, 2003
13,199
1
81
Yeah it sucks but now isn't the time for me to complain. Xbox-linux.org basically says dump Live or get a second Xbox if you want Linux on it. Anyone have an idea?
 

drag

Elite Member
Jul 4, 2002
8,708
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Well I figure as long as I give relevent information, then I can sprinkle in the whining.

If you look carefully at the website they say that you can install a mod chip that contains the boot code to get linux running. That mod chip has the ability to turn itself off and let the regular MS bios take over.

Sorry, there is currently no easy way to use Xbox Live and Linux on the same Xbox. Microsoft blocks everyone from Xbox Live who alters the Xbox; installing Linux is considered as "altering" by Microsoft.

If you're more experienced, you can get an Xbox modchip that can be turned off completely and use "Cromwell" with it. Turn the modchip on, and you can run Linux. Turn the modchip off, and you can join the Xbox Live network.

The Xbox Linux project does not actively support this at the moment, sorry.

They probably don't support it because you have to know what your doing to use it properly and not fry your system. (Ever taken any electronics classes before?) Plus it's probably kind-of expensive.

Thats what you need to get Linux running on your laptop and still get online with Microsoft's live stuff. (funny how I've been playing online games for years and never had to pay for it (except for voluntary contrubutions) and yet I could still modify my computer, itsn't it?)

Otherwise it's a no-go.

If you still want to do a linux something for a school project go and get a old computer from somewere. I got a old 800mhz computer free from my parents a few months ago I and turned it into a wireless access point + a MythTV (TiVo-type thing) frontend. Anything faster then 133 or 200mhz cpu with at least 64megs of RAM would make a great linux server.

It wouldn't be that hard to setup a web server or whatnot and put a simple web page on it. Do that, document the steps, and explain some of the concepts behind it and you'd probably get a A or whatever.